Teresa Richards : Tco Deli and Fine Foods

At 13 I went to a nursing home close to my home in Bristol and asked if they would give me a job and they did! I started by emptying bins and making the coffee for the residents. I then went on to do my nursing training. And qualified as a Nurse. I have done very little else all my working life.

Then I recently did a University Business Enterprise Study Course at Warwick University. And I went on WBDA’s free ‘Confident Start’ workshops held in Coventry - I really enjoyed it and decided that I wanted to work for myself. I had a few ideas – but didn’t know where to start – so went back to WBDA to book an appointment with a business advisor in the hopes of someone pointing me in the right direction.

When I went for my first business advice appointment with Joy, I handed her a rough copy of a business plan that I had been working on – but after chatting this through with Joy and having her input – I decided not to go with that business idea after all!! So I went away and decided to do some more researching and came back with my pleasant idea of specialising in local produce!

Having progressed a long way with my new business plan etc, I suddenly got cold feet when it came to action. i.e. writing a big check for the lease. All the people around me were feeling equally as nervous so having Joy as my business advisor who has so much knowledge that I can learn from and I could also rationally discuss things with her, helped me carry on!

I found that I was very eager to learn as much as possible and having Joy as a mentor to encourage me and reassure me was such a positive experience.

It became a reality having got through key episode of stage fright and written the big cheque! I have had several episodes of feeling panic and a bit overwhelmed but having someone like Joy to help you sort your priorities and to remind you to “enjoy the journey” helps!

So now I have just opened Tco Deli (on the 8th July 2008) in the City Arcade. The deli will specialise in local produce and will serve everything from pickles to hams and cheeses.

I must admit though - my biggest problem was myself! I found it very difficult to think of myself as anything but a nurse. The fear of failure and not coping can be overwhelming at times but those feelings come and go – I just have to keep reminding myself to stay on the right track! 

For more information about Tco Deli please call Teresa on 024 76 413 149 or email teresa@tcodeli.co.uk