Entrepreneur Abigail Shillingford, 25, tells us how she has started her own beauty treatment company called Amust Natural – inspired by her parents
I came to Barking in 2005 from Dominica in the Caribbean and I quickly liked the area and decided to stay here even though I could have left.
I had my family close by and I liked that it was a peaceful place to live.
I have always loved business and dreamt of becoming a businesswoman.
My upbringing instilled in me the desire to work hard and it was words of encouragement from my parents that shaped me.
My dad said: “Be the best you can be.”
My mum said: “Attitude will determine altitude.”
For me those quotes mean I must learn and grow, and listen, and be receptive to advice.
I’ve always been open-minded, highly motivated and like to succeed and I want to pass on that self-confidence and knowledge to inspire people to believe in themselves, because I’ve shown it is possible to start a business.
I went to Newham College and did my A-levels and it was when I studied Economics that my interest in business rose.
After my A-levels I went to the London College of Communication (LCC) and studied marketing and advertising.
Potential
It was during my second year at LCC that I did a project on a skincare company, which I then pitched to my lecturer and did really well.
My lecturer’s name was Mark and he saw potential in me and said that, rather than study for a Masters, I should start a business.
I received a first class grade for my end of year project and achieved a 2:1 degree in Marketing and Advertising with Media & Cultural Studies.
When I left university, I struggled to find a job but I knew I was capable enough and had the experience necessary.
But then I started thinking ‘why should I be working for someone else when I can work for myself and build an empire’.
I regretted going to university because, although it helped me, practical skills are better than theoretical skills.
So in 2011 I launched Amust Natural, a natural candle product business which includes innovative Argan Oil-based Hair and Body Candles.
I was “highly recommended” by the council and was named 2013 Sole Trader of the year.
I love having a business – and it’s growing, I’m excited and it’s successful.
I keep the thoughts of my parents with me all the time and my goal is to have a £1million business within five years.
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