Rebecca Sykes
After relationship and family problems,
Rebecca was left feeling low with no support. While on the
Enterprise Programme Rebecca adapted her photography business
and has improved her self esteem, confidence and income
dramatically.
When she was 17, Rebecca’s parents divorced. She
left home to go live with her boyfriend. Soon after, she became
pregnant and aged 19 gave birth to her son. Whilst pregnant,
Rebecca’s boyfriend received a custodial sentence. Alone and with
no support, Rebecca became extremely low, feeling hugely ashamed of
her partner’s actions; she found it hard to talk about her
situation and lost a lot of hope till she found the Enterprise
Programme.
Rebecca was desperate to provide a better life
for herself and her son. She had always dreamed of being a
photographer and with family support, took a course; motivated by
desire to succeed she achieved a HND in photography. From this, she
was able to secure a part-time job as a photographer. Life was
really looking good.
Sadly, her employers repeatedly called her out at short notice
and during unsociable hours; making it impossible for her to
continue working. This had a huge impact on Rebecca’s confidence
and self-esteem. She felt she would never recover.
Some months later, Rebecca came across the Enterprise Programme.
With renewed confidence and funding, Rebecca started planning her
businesses future. Initially, she was unwilling to listen to her
mentor’s advice; instead she wanted to forge ahead following her
original plan. After a frank conversation, she realised that she
had to adapt her thinking and accept help.
Blush Photography was primarily aimed at children and family
portraits. Rebecca soon discovered customers wanted more
contemporary images in a natural setting. She grasped this
opportunity. The foresight to develop her business into other
areas, including sports, weddings and Mother and Toddler groups,
has meant her income is on a steep incline.
She now covers the North East of England for Sugar, a popular
teenage magazine, which is a huge achievement and great recognition
for the quality of her work. She also helps to run a number of
photography courses and training sessions as well as supporting The
Trust as a Young Ambassador.
Blush Photography is so successful she now intends to employ a
budding photography student.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- John Heckingbottom, Business
Mentor
- Tim Wilde, boyfriend