After moving to the UK from my native Czech republic some 12 years ago, I had to star over with my career. Originally a mental health nurse, I was told that I'd have needed a lengthy (and expensive) requalification course to get on with my job...so I decided to start over as a nursery visitor for children with special needs. Unfortunately, when the recession started, the project lost government funding and I was made redundant and found myself back to square one - again. I then got a job testing computer games but then again, the company went belly up...
At this point I realized that I needed to set my own business - foreign, already over 40 and with very little formal qualification valid in the UK, I was practically unemployable. I've always been quite good with my hands, doing all sorts of crafts as a hobby so I decided to start the Funky Penguin business - originally happy hippy macrame bracelets, hair accessories and ethnic look beaded bits and bobs but, over time, the real me started poking through...I've always been a bit of a goth and always loved the intricate beauty of antique jewellery, so I started assembling. And, all of a sudden the business took off. Now I have two online shops, sell in three boutiques and do regular craft shows - still it only just earns me a living but I'm having the time of my life, doing exactly what I always wanted. And, with every item sold, with every positive feedback I get I feel the reassurance that I've made the right choice.
Enjoy your visit to my little shop :)
Steph the Funky Penguin