MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BUSINESS …
Your name? Helen Nelson
Your business name? Jet The Dog Design
What do you love most about your job? Creativity, variety and flexibility!
Your claim to fame? I’ve played Merlin, the Wizard, in Panto and wore a beard for a week!
Your first childhood memory? Playing on Lossiemouth Beach – My Dad was in the RAF and we lived up there when I was young
How long have you been a member of WIBN and why did you join? I’ve been a member over 2 years. I joined as I believe that networking is the best way to get business. People buy from people, especially when you sell a creative service. You need to build up a relationship with people, and networking has worked so well for me and my business.
Most frightening film and why? Annie – all those children singing (or in fact any musical that involves children singing) give me the SAW series any day!!
What sort of training did you have before going into this business? I have an HND In Graphic Design, and a BA Hons Degree in Design and Business. I then spent 9 years working for a couple of Design Agencies gaining experience in everything from design, to account handling and print buying.
What advice would you give someone who wants to set up their own business? Give it a go! There’s plenty of advice and help out there – especially from people who have already done it. Another reason why networking groups have been good for me is because the people I have met have all been able to offer advice, help and encouragement. Oh, and I have a fab partner in Mr N who has always been there to support.
The one business you couldn’t possibly live without? My local printer – as I designer I really rely on a good relationship with printers, and Phillips Digital in Letchworth have been providing excellent service to me for over 10 years.
Who is the most interesting person you have met? My cousin Tanya Jones is an inspiration, and always interesting. A mum, an author, a prolific blogger, a former solicitor, now joint owner of a couple of small businesses and if that isn’t enough she’s now Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Johnny Depp…. Only because he’s lovely to look at, and to be honest my story wouldn’t be that interesting, but he’d make it watchable!!
What is the last book you read? I’m a prolific reader of gory crime and Apocalyptic sci-fi. Currently reading Birdman, by Mo Hayder. Sorry it’s not more deep and meaningful.
What is the best thing that someone has said about you and your business? I’ve received many lovely comments from WIBN ladies who are now my clients. One in particular: “My goodness it is so easy to look DULL in the finance world – but how do you stand out from the crowd… simple, use Helen at Jet The Dog.”, from Susie B.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing – what one thing would you do differently? Spent more time with my mum before she died when I was in my 20’s.
If you could be a super hero, what would you want your superpowers to be? Teleportation. I love Scotland, and to be able to go there daily, for a walk on the deserted Scottish beach, without a 7 hour drive, would be perfect.
How would you describe your business in three words? Creative, friendly, me
What were you hoping we’d ask you, but didn’t? What is your most favourite place in the world.
How have things changed for your business over the past few years? It’s busier then ever – just invoiced my best 2 months ever. I now use a freelancer or two, I’ve learnt to outsource, I’ve got an office…. It’s very much more of a business now rather than someone working at home playing at running a business!
What is the greatest challenge in running a business? Time management, time management, time management…. Finding the ‘me’ time in amongst the chaos and not feeling guilty!
What are your plans for the future? Jet the Dog will be heading to Scotland. In the next 2-3 years Paul and I plan to buy land, self-build and move to Scotland. The hunt starts this weekend as we’re driving up for the weekend to look at some land that has sea views! I’ll continue to run Jet The Dog – plan is with the help of my ever super efficient Freelancer, Natalie, Jet The Dog will continue to have clients and a base in Beds/Herts as well as gaining clients north of the border. I have so many friends down here that I’ll certainly be back to make sure clients are still serviced!
What’s the best thing about being a member of WIBN? Friendship, support and lovely clients.
