From Precious | January, 2009
Jennifer Williams-Baffoe | Marketing
Willbaforce Ltd www.willbaforce.com
Jennifer Williams-Baffoe is the CEO of Willbaforce Ltd, a specialist business advice consultancy for the creative industries, providing support, guidance and business planning.
Precious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?
I came up with the business idea seven eight years ago whilst working for
a fashion supply chain organisation. The company was set up five years
ago and it's quite unique in what it does. It's developing.
Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage.
I drafted up a small business plan which I went through
with a fashion business specialist- Mr David Jones (an industry guru)
who had also advised me to set up a mentoring company. I was also working
with a business support agency as a project manager so already had an
insight into what can go well and what cannot go so well with a small
company.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
Checking and responding to emails, Responding to telephone messages, liaising with clients e.g. one to one meetings, sourcing products, funding or developing a business plan through to writing an application for funding.
Precious: What do you love most about what you do?
No two days are the same, and there is always something exciting happening each week, e.g. working on a new project overseas or helping a client to source funding for a project.
Precious: Is there anything that you really dislike about it?
It’s not as steady as a full-time role, but if you balance the workload you
can have a good three/four day week. Some clients can be very demanding,
but it’s all about keeping on an even keel with them and getting them to
understand the benefits of time management.
Precious: Whats been the most exciting event to happen in your business life so far?
Hmm tough question; I think setting up the consultancy and writing a two volume book for The British Fashion Council and running a project alongside it..
Precious: How do you see your business progressing over the next five years?
AHAA! Total world domination LOL - I aim to have an international perspective.
Precious: Is there a person in your industry that really inspires you?
Yes, my mentor Doreen Adusei, she’s know me for years and always gives me positive
advice. She always tells me the truth and I love that about her…she doesn’t
mince her words.
Precious: How do you achive the work life balance?
I’m getting there it’s really good to see that it can actually happen. I relax with Waterobics and listening to fabulous music: soul/RnB, jazz and hip hop.
Precious: Do you have any advice to potential female entrepreneurs?
Yes, don’t get caught up in the hype, it really isn’t worth it. Glamour isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Really enjoy what you do otherwise its not worth doing it and…remember “It’s nice to be important but it’s important to be nice!!