Emily Searle

We got the pleasure to do an interview with Emily Searle, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, her new business and how she has found building her business.

Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do? 

My name is Emily Searle, I am 29 and I live in Belfast. I graduated in 2015 with a Fine Art Degree at UUB and for the last two years, I have been working as a Cheesemaker/Cheesemonger.

Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme? 

I have always wanted to pursue a creative path since I graduated and with the possibility that maybe what I pursued could be a viable way of making a living. The Dig Deep programme seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn from fellow creatives in various industries and for me to begin piecing together a business, or to see if I had it in me to try!

What is the new business that you have been developing? 

My new business I’ve been starting to develop is based on my love of papers, stationery and all other office sundries; as well as my love of physical communication with others, rather than constantly via the internet and other fleeting mediums.

I want to sell these sorts of items from a collection that I will have carefully curated, of both local and international products and hopefully restore joy in physical correspondence and encourage curiosity in the simpler objects in our studies. 

What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business? 

My self-confidence in my own ideas and ability to realise that my business is a valid idea. Comparing everything I do to others and not wanting to try in case it doesn’t turn out perfect.

How do you see your business developing in the future? 

I would love to eventually have a physical retail space of some kind, but not sure exactly what that would look like.

What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business? 

Mostly that there is no point in starting a business because someone out there is already doing something like it, but the reality is that that isn’t true. And there is plenty of room at the table.

What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme? 

I have learnt how much I like being part of a creative community, and how I have missed that since university. Being in touch, even if just through zoom once a week, really helps to see what others are doing and how to cope with similar struggles or challenges.

What/who influences/motivates you? 

My motivation ultimately comes from wanting to create something and to share that with others. I feel motivated when I see a business I admire doing something and think- hey, I could do that too maybe, but with my own spin on it.

I also feel motivated by the thought of getting to create a business selling things that I myself would want to buy and creating a space that maybe doesn’t exist locally to me yet. My peers motivate me too and seeing what young women who are ahead of me have been able to achieve. My dad is also someone who motivates me- he is from a business background and really encourages me when I find it hard to have the confidence to work through difficult things.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business? 

Probably even sharing this kind of insight with others. I don’t feel very confident a lot of the time, but little by little, that is changing. Small progress is at least still progress.

What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months? 

That it isn’t a stupid idea! And that if I have the values of my business at the forefront of the decisions I start making then I won’t deviate off course from where I want to be going.

What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021? 

I am going to start the process of curating a collection of things that I want to sell under my new business. I need to create a better ‘work/new business’ balance as I find it hard to manage my time properly sometimes.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Don’t be as worried about what other people will think about what you want to do- you have to do things that bring you joy and not limit yourself because of others.

Where can people find you online?

I am currently building a website so watch this space! My personal Instagram is @emisearle or @emisearle_renovator for all my house reno fun!