Branded a Failure - Now I'm a Success!
BRANDED A FAILURE - NOW I'M A SUCCESS!
My name’s Trina Porter. I own a successful bridal accessories company called Baba-C Designs. This year I was thrilled to once again win the coveted VOWS award (Voted outstanding wedding supplier). I have to pinch myself when I think I have a job I love and hundreds of satisfied customers.
No Qualifications and no Talent!
I left school with no qualifications and was told I had no talent! Even though as a child I had the best dressed dolls in the street I actually failed my fabric and fashion O level! My teacher treated me with disdain - I wonder what she’d think of me now?
Preparing for Success
After leaving school I had a procession of unsatisfying jobs. I always had to sew though and create things. I continued to learn through experience, trial and at times error, but the main thing is I always enjoyed it and wanted to learn.
My Big Break!
My big opportunity came quite accidentally. I met Jane who ran a successful bridal business. She needed help with alterations and though I was reluctant (lack of confidence from being at home with 3 kids) I took a deep breath and dived in!
Soon I was making the gowns fit like a glove. But that wasn’t enough. I wanted brides to have the right accessories. So with Jane’s encouragement I tried making a few pieces. The response was amazing! 
The End of the Road?
Suddenly it all looked like it might end. Jane told me she had to sell up as she was moving abroad! I was dejected. Jane looked baffled. ‘Hang on Trina’ she said. ’You’ve got years of sewing experience, fantastic abilities, you’re creative and my customers love you. Why don’t you just go it alone?’
Me - Run a Business?
The thought terrified me! I thought - people like me who’ve never been to college let alone university don’t run their own businesses. Jane was having none of it. She knew that running a business was down to determination and hard work, not some magical secret!
And Baba-C Designs was born….!
So I actually did it. I launched my first full collection of Baba-C Designs award winning bridal accessories!
My confidence has grown with every delighted bride and seeing my designs featured in glossy bridal mags - even on the front cover!
So Why Don’t You Go For It…?
They say you regret the things in life you don't do more than the things you did! You can easily learn the practical skills needed to run a business. There's a lot of free support and seminars available. I'm privileged to have a career I love. Getting awards is the icing on the cake! To anyone reading this I hope you feel encouraged, possibly even inspired, and I I wish you every success for the future.
Trina Porter.
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