Amanda Tisdale
Liverpool mum Amanda Tisdale has proved she's got real flower power after setting up in business thanks
to the help of Train 2000. 29-year-old Amanda opened up her own florist, Amanda's the Design Florist,
during August 2004, on Picton Road in Wavertree and is delighted about being her own boss.
Amanda, who has a physical disability due to spinal damage, first came to Train 2000 in early 2004 where she received one-to-one business advice and help in putting together her business plan.
Amanda said:
"Train 2000 gave me all the help, support and advice I needed. It is an excellent organisation and I would advise other women who are thinking of setting up in business to go there too. Not only did staff at Train 2000 give me good business advice, but they also took account of my disability and tailored everything to suit my needs."
Amanda, who is a single parent to her 11-year-old son Carl, has dreamed of opening up her own business since being a teenager when she worked at a friend's florist shop. She later went to college and gained qualifications in floristry.
She said:
"I just can't believe I've done it. When I opened up for business on my first day, it just didn't seem real. It hasn't been easy for me, but I am willing to put in a lot of hard work and to make sacrifices."
Due to her disability Amanda spent part of her childhood in a wheelchair and although she can walk now, she is still in a lot of pain and physically needs constant help to allow her to make a real go of her business.
She said:
"My sister Lorna is my legs. She does all the lifting and carrying for me, I don't think I could manage without her help. The great thing about having my own shop though, is that I've made it accessible so that it suits my needs. I really enjoy being creative and find the work that I do is very therapeutic for me, often it takes my mind off the back pain I am suffering."
In her florist, Amanda offers everything from simple bouquets through to exotic flowers and very modern designs.
Although she has only been open for five weeks she has built up regular customers and is picking up a great deal
of passing trade.
She added:
"I've already got a couple of weddings booked in for next year, which is great, so I'm building up trade all the time. In the future it is my dream to one day open up a second shop, but for now I'm happy with what I've got. I am so proud to have my own business; particularly as a single parent I now feel that I am a good role model for my son. I hope too that I am a role model to other women with disabilities, who may also be interested in setting up in business."
