“While I was at university, I would never have thought I’d end up starting my own business, but now I can’t imagine going back to working for someone else.“
Hi Eva! Can you tell us about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey?
I’m a co-founder of a company called Calming Solutions. Our aim is to create products that help people regulate their nervous system in real time.
Before starting Calming Solutions, I was a student at the University of Stirling – initially studying media and communications before going on to complete a master’s degree in marketing and branding.
After graduating, I worked for a marketing agency for about four years, but then I decided I wanted to start my own business where I could help people, so I left my job to focus on a start-up.
What inspired your start-up idea?
My own experience of depression and anxiety. My body was holding in a lot of supressed emotions. I tried a lot of things to feel better, including counselling, but nothing helped. Things only really began to improve for me when I started listening to my body, as I discovered a lot of what we feel in any given moment comes from body signals to the brain. I want other people to find that relief too, and that was the drive behind Calming Solutions.
I’m now working with my co-founder to build a product that will help people achieve a state of breathing that allows them to stabilise their heart rate variability and regulate their emotions.
Tell us about how you found out about the Enterprise Programme, and how it’s helped you to get where you are now on your journey.
I learned about the Enterprise Programme through a local Business Gateway meeting, where a programme advisor told me that, as a Stirling graduate, I was eligible for entrepreneurial support. The team has been great, and I enjoy attending the different workshops they run.
I’ve got a dedicated business advisor who I have regular catch ups with. I find these useful as they help me see the progress I’ve made and keep me on track. Through the Enterprise Programme, I’ve also met other entrepreneurs, and that sense of community has been really important for me.
I also found out about a grant competition through the programme. I’ve used some of that money to help build our prototype product – something we’d have struggled to do without funding.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey?
I’m still in the early stages of my start-up but, for me, I’d say pursuing an idea that I’m passionate about. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
While I was at university, I would never have thought I’d end up starting my own business, but now I can’t imagine going back to working for someone else.
Have you faced any challenges?
When I first started my entrepreneur journey, I wasn’t very good at admitting when I was struggling. I’ve since recognised that it’s ok to be vulnerable and ask for support.
This is why I appreciate the network I’ve built through the Enterprise Programme. It’s great being able to speak to other people with the same mindset as you and who can cheer you on in those moments of doubt.
What would you say to people considering using the Enterprise Programme?
This is a fully funded, free service. If someone isn’t sure whether self-employment is right for them, just set up a meeting with the Enterprise Programme.
The team is really friendly, and they’ll give you guidance that can help you work out your next steps. You’ve got nothing to lose, but everything to gain.