Designing the interiors of five-star hotels from the sunny climes of Cyprus couldn’t stave off the lure of home for Catherine Atkinson.
After returning to Tillicoultry in 2014, the 26-year-old tapped into advice from Business Gateway Clackmannanshire and launched www.interiorsbycatherine.com earlier this year.
A slew of high profile jobs quickly ensued including designing the interior of The Roundel, a five-star holiday home outside St Andrews and designing the interior of the main tent at this year’s Stirling Highland Games.
She said: “Becoming my own boss has been the best thing I’ve done. I love walking into a space and seeing its potential, then turning my client’s desires into reality. I use 3D modelling and being able to translate that exactly into a space people will enjoy is a privilege.”
Having completed a degree in interior design at the University of Dundee, Catherine began working for a company in Cyprus that designed interiors for leading hotel chains in Dubai and Kula Lumpar.
But, after two years she decided to return home to take up a position in the residential design team within one of Scotland’s leading furniture stores.
Having worked on both commercial, hospitality and residential projects, Catherine knew she had the perfect mix of skills to launch her own business.
She said: “I knew I had the breadth of knowledge needed to attract customers so turned to Business Gateway to learn what I needed to get started. My adviser has been brilliant, helping me with my business plan, social media and SEO as well as giving me useful contacts and making me think about how things are going to work.”
Stuart McCusker, Business Gateway, said: “Catherine has amassed a lot of experience on a vast range of properties – from designing hundreds of five-star hotel rooms to a single living room. She knows her industry very well but needed our help to put the building blocks in place to start her business. We are delighted our advice has given her confidence and that her business is thriving.”
To find out how Business Gateway Clackmannanshire can help your business call 01259 208426 or visit www.bgateway.com/clackmannanshire.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Business Gateway by Wave PR. For more information contact Alison Friel on 0141 225 0403 or email Alison@wavepr.co.uk.