Carrie Pailthorpe : Home On The Hill

Home On The Hill is about teaching and writing about organic horticulture on a freelance basis. Read more on how Carrie Pailthorpe set up her own business...

I’ve had a varied working life – career in IT, full time mum, horticultural advisor and the list goes on.

I had been unhappy in my job, lacked confidence to start my own business and had a complete lack of focus. I had lots of ideas, but no clue where to start!

Beginning the process – setting up the business

I saw an article in the local paper for a FREE one day ‘Confident Start’ business workshop organised by the Women’s Business Development Agency and called them up and booked on.

After attending the workshop I was booked in to see a business advisor who provided me with one to one advice. My business advisor, Carolyn Reily, helped me focus. She also set me tasks and deadlines and helped me complete a business plan which was really useful for me. I was provided with information about various workshops, e.g. Inland Revenue, which WBDA organise.

Just talking to someone who knew exactly what I needed to do was really helpful. Having a clear idea of what I’m doing and why has removed lots of stress.

About Home On The Hill

Now, thanks to the help from Carolyn, I teach and write about organic horticulture on a freelance basis. I also grow and sell herbs, on a very small scale. I now have a portfolio career which is combining a small business with a part-time admin job. I realised that the growing side of my business could only work on the very large or very small scale. Chose to go small scale and concentrate on teaching.

I’m happy with my career and love being able to describe myself as a freelance horticulturalist!

For more information on Carrie's services please contact her on carrie@homeonthehill.co.uk or 07717 799 189