Two mothers from North East Lincolnshire have started their own photography business.
thanks to Broadway children's centre Donna Woodward and Clare Hattersley are set to open Memory Box Photography after successfully attending a digital photography course at the centre.
The pair first met at the children’s centre and started attending training courses together.
After gaining the equivalent qualification of a GCSE in Maths and English they went on to attend courses in confidence building, finance, budgeting and basic photography.
In June 2010, six students at the centre received a recognised qualification in photography after developing a portfolio of their work and hosting an exhibition at Grimsby Central Library.
The group went on to raise money for the children’s centre activity fund through organising photo shoots within the centre.
These fund raising events led Clare and Donna to think about a career in photography and they were encouraged by the centre to attend E-Factor where they both enrolled on a business management course.
In July, Clare and Donna presented their portfolio of work, along with a business plan to a panel at E-Factor and successfully secured a loan to start their own business.
Donna said: “I have been involved with Broadway children’s centre for six years and during that time I have received support, made friends, had some great days out and grown in confidence.
“Broadway children’s centre has given me the support I needed to gain the qualifications I needed to take me forward.
“After gaining my qualification I decided I wanted to take my new found knowledge and skills and put them into my own business and now here I am, a partner in Memory Box Photography.
“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone at Broadway for all of their help and support. It really would not have been possible without you.”
Queenie Carrie, children’s centre coordinator, said: “We want to offer Donna and Clare our congratulations and wish them all the best of luck.
“It just goes to show that hard work and dedication pays off and a bit of determination can take you a long way.”
Portfolio holder for children’s services, councillor Tony McCabe, said: “This is another great example of the work that takes place at our children’s centres. The staff continually go above and beyond the call of duty to provide excellent services and facilities.
“This is a really great achievement for these two young women and they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. We wish them all the best of luck in the future.”