When Jacqui Broadhead’s health made it impossible for her to continue in her full-time job, she was keen to find a alternative that would provide her with an income but give her greater control over her working hours and conditions to make it easier for her to manage her symptoms.

A chance encounter with one of the Opportunity Goole team’s friendly and knowledgeable advisors has resulted in Jacqui turning her passion for using Powertex, a water-based textile hardener, into a new business venture. 

Since then, Jacqui has launched her own art studio at Carlisle House on Carlisle Street in Goole, which is one of several Business Centres run by Invest East Yorkshire, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

She explained: “Powertex is not what you’d call traditional art, but you can use it to turn everyday objects, including recyclables, into art. I use it to sculpt fabric items, and produce mixed media art work. I’m a fully-qualified tutor in the medium, so I’m also able to hold workshops. I’d previously been using Powertex at home, making items for myself, and running a few workshops for friends.”

Explaining how she made the transition from enjoying Powertex as a hobby to launching her new business, Simply Me Creations, Jacqui said: “I became ill about two-and-a-half years ago and was unable to return to my previous employment. It was exceptionally difficult to find alternative work due to my health condition. 

“Having gone to a Creative Soup workshop at Junction Goole, I managed to secure some funding for my artwork so I went to an open day at the Adult Education Centre in Goole to see what courses were on offer.”

At the event, Jacqui struck up a conversation with Linda Naylor from the Opportunity Goole team and the pair arranged a follow-up meeting to discuss potential teaching opportunities for her. Linda also put Jacqui in touch with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, who were able to talk her through the basics of establishing her own business, explaining how to become a sole trader and register with HMRC. They also contacted Carlisle House to see if Jacqui could potentially hold workshops there, which resulted in her going along to view the accommodation on offer to see if it would make a suitable studio space for her. 

Jacqui explained: “They gave me a Business Support Advisor, who I meet with regularly, but I also still go to see Linda from the Opportunity Goole team regularly too. She is great at the practical things, such as helping me with spreadsheets, but it’s also nice to have someone who I can keep touching base with.”

Now happily settled into her new studio at Carlisle House, Jacqui explained: “I’d been stuck at home for more than two years and it was getting me down. I needed another income to pay the bills but I can’t stand for long and have breathing difficulties, so employers didn’t want to know. I’m very grateful for the NHS and benefits, but it’s frustrating when you’ve worked all your life; it brings you down mentally.”

By working for herself in the studio, Jacqui has much more freedom to manage her time and her health condition, working only the hours that she feels able to. She is also enjoying the opportunity to unleash her creativity and finds teaching others how to use Powertex incredibly rewarding.

However, she openly admits that she wouldn’t have even considered opening a studio of her own had she not met Linda at Goole Library that day, adding: “I’m a huge advocate for Opportunity Goole and am always telling people to go along and chat to them. In fact, some people I mentioned it to have already come back and thanked me.”

Jacqui said: “If they can’t help you, they know someone who can. They will point you in the right direction and, with the right help, you can do whatever you put your mind to. At the moment, Opportunity Goole is just perfect for this town!”

Jacqui has recently forged links with local charity Unique Friends and is now staging workshops for adults with additional needs who attend its weekly craft sessions. In fact, the first session proved such a hit that Jacqui has already been asked if I could also do something similar for parents and carers who attend the charity’s well-being sessions.

Opportunity Goole is funded by Goole Town Deal. To find out more about the team and the support they offer, click here.