Stephanie Swain
Top-flight businesswoman Stephanie Swain first came to Train 2000 three years ago
where she undertook the Business Enterprise Training Course.
Having previously worked as a Call Centre Manager for Littlewoods for a number of years, Stephanie was sure that she wanted to be her own boss and become self-employed. With an idea in mind to set up in business to help people overcome their fear of flying, as well as Train 2000's Business Enterprise Training Course, Stephanie also undertook an NLP course where she learnt about the limitations we impose on ourselves brought about by experiences and influences.
After gaining all the relevant qualifications, she needed and an insight into how to run her own business, Stephanie then used her skills first and foremost to offer her services in a voluntary capacity within the local community. But, it wasn't long before she rented an office in the Waterloo area, which saw the real beginnings of her own business We Love Flying.
And, with plenty of people out there who needed help to overcome their fear of flying, Stephanie very quickly began to build up a strong client base. But, in 2003 she suffered a serious brain haemorrhage and was out of action for almost six months. Following her recovery however Stephanie slowly began to build the business back up and since then it has gone from strength to strength, with Liverpool's John Lennon Airport recommending her to any customers who have a fear of flying.
And now, 52-year-old Stephanie is looking to take her business to new heights.
Her latest idea to build a cabin simulator from a real plane, recently impressed judges at
Train 2000's Competition The Elevator Pitch where she walked away with one of the
five prizes of £500, to help get her business idea off the ground.
Throughout the last three years Stephanie has not only been to Train 2000 for help and support in the initial stages of starting up her business, but since then she has kept in touch with the organisation, receiving advice along the way.
She said:
"Right from my initial involvement with Train 2000 I have found the organisation to be invaluable.
"When I first did the Business Enterprise Training Course three years ago, it was lovely to be able to learn with other like-minded women who were also keen to start up in business, we were all able to swap ideas and give one another advice."
Since this first contact with Train 2000, Stephanie says that she has been back several times to receive advice on all different areas and stages of her business.
She added:
"It's been great to know that Train 2000 has been there for me all the time, I have felt like there is always somewhere to turn for support and advice if I'm unsure or need any questions answering.
"And recently, when I had prepared a presentation on my idea for a cabin simulator, I was able to come into Train 2000 and deliver it as a practice run, before taking it out to potential funders. This really helped me, it gave me confidence and also meant that I got some good tips on how I could change or improve it before the real thing."
Stephanie was also delighted to be one of the winners at Train 2000's Elevator Pitch competition.
"Winning the Elevator Pitch really meant a lot to me, because I knew that if I was able to impress the judges with my latest business idea, that I would be able to impress other people with it too."
Since starting up her own business Stephanie has helped hundreds of men and women to overcome their fear of flying, which she finds very rewarding. And, since becoming her own boss and taking the journey into self-employment she has never looked back, believing it to be one of the best things she has ever done.
