One year ago mum-of-two Sophie Mitchell was unhappy in her part-time job - but now she is making £200,000 a year from handmade jewellery.
The business she created, Kooky Bloom, even has an impressive list of celebrity customers, including Sheridan Smith, Stacey Solomon and Josie Gibson.
Mitchell, 32, said in June 2020 she was working part-time in a customer service role and struggling with mental illness.
She said at points this got so bad she couldn't face leaving the house.
Determined to make a change, in July 2020 Mitchell set her new company up.
The company has sold 16,000 pieces of jewellery since then, and turned over more than £200,000.
"I chose jewellery as I’ve always been interested in and a huge fan of fashion," she said.
Kooky Bloom started after she posted photos of her handmade jewellery on social media and started getting messages from people asking to buy them.
She started the company with a £50 jewellery-making kit, which stretched her finances to the limit.
The entrepreneur said at the time that felt "quite irresponsible" due to her financial struggles, but that it was also "the best decision I’ve ever made".
Mitchell said her biggest success came last November, when she made poppy necklaces for Remembrance Day.
"To our absolute shock the amazing actress Sheridan Smith purchased and shared via her social media platforms, which is still a huge 'pinch me' moment for us," she said.
Kooky Bloom brings out new jewellery every couple of weeks.
Mitchell said: "That's great for me as it’s so nice to get creative and put my own spin on things. Forget me not flower items are always popular as they are such a meaningful, special flower for so many people."
But she said working for herself has been harder than she ever expected.
"I take my hat off to all small business owners," she said. "I find it hard to switch off so working days can begin at six in the morning and end at midnight some days. I’m still working on finding that balance but we will get there."
Kooky Bloom now employs two people - her husband Matt, who was made redundant in lockdown last year, and her mum on a part-time basis.
The company will also take on one or two people before the busy Christmas period, Mitchell said.
Social media has been a big part of Kooky Bloom's growth.
"We have a amazing supportive following on our social media accounts, I couldn’t ask for more lovely followers," Mitchell said. "I’ve virtually met and befriended so many people on Instagram as well as fellow small business owners. We all offer advice and help each other out - it’s really nice."
Celeb like Sheridan Smith, Josie Gibson and Stacey Solomon shared Kooky jewellery content online, which Mitchell says has helped it reach many more customers.
Kooky Bloom has turned the Mitchell family's lives around, its founder said.
"Being creative helped me out of a very dark place and has lead to a business that allows me to work around my two boys and provide for them like I had always dreamed about," Mitchell explained.
"I’m so passionate about mental health awareness , and I’d recommend being creative or taking the leap to start a small business to anyone."
In April this year she left her part-time job to focus totally on Kooky Bloom.
Kooky Bloom is currently known for its flower and crystal jewellery, but Mitchell said she wants the company to expand into clothing and accessories too.
But Mitchell is determined to give something back from the proceeds.
Kooky Bloom has a mental health range of jewellery and cash raised from those sales is donated to relevant charities.
Mitchell said: "It’s all for my boys Max and Teddy - like any mum I just want to make them proud and show them that anyone is capable of chasing a dream and turning their lives around."
