 Anne
Beechinor
Former primary school teacher Anne Beechinor (48) was
introduced to Art of Accessorising through a friend of a friend. She was
teaching full time but after attending one of the company’s viewings, she
decided on the spot that she would like to become a consultant.
Anne, who is married with two teenage boys, had been
primary teacher in North Bedfordshire since returning to the UK nearly
seven years ago after living overseas. Despite enjoying working in
education, Anne was looking for a new dimension to her life, something
that was totally different from her day job. She recognised that Art of
Accessorising would fill this gap and for 18 months she balanced her
classroom and consultancy roles.
Art of Accessorising founder Susan James was a great
inspiration. Anne said, ‘’Susan’s enthusiasm and passion is infectious.
This gave my husband and I confidence that it would work. My husband was
even considering investing in the business but we decided that our
investment was me giving up my full time job and committing to Art of
Accessorising full time, which is a move I made in July 2007.’’
‘’Being a consultant doesn’t feel like work. It is more
diverse than teaching and I get a greater sense of excitement in running
my own business.’’
‘’As someone approaching their fifth decade, it is
important to me to look current and up to date so having access to a range
of high quality accessories is a great perk! I didn’t have any experience
or knowledge of the fashion industry beforehand but I have gone back to
the classroom myself and Susan is a great teacher! Her comprehensive
training sessions and ongoing support provide all anyone needs to feel
confident about giving a styling presentation.’’
‘’I had a long career in education and I loved being a
class teacher. I shall miss the contact with the children and parents but
my new career is the beginning of a new phase in my life.’’
Anne cites the support from both Susan James and the other
consultants as one of the key strengths of Art of Accessorising. Susan
provides leadership and excellent training, whilst the consultants have
developed a strong team spirit. This is apparent at the regular
consultants’ meetings where all share experiences and tips, eliminating
any sense of working alone or in isolation.
The opportunity also provides Anne with flexibility in her
life. She comments that Art of Accessorising provides the opportunity for
someone to mould the business to suit their lifestyle – whether as a full
time business or as a hobby. There isn’t the pressure of targets but Anne
finds she still has the impetus to succeed because it is her own business.
Anne concluded, ‘’My husband has been tremendously
supportive. He and our boys have been 100% behind me and are equally
committed to Art of Accessorising. The fact that my business makes me
happy, means they are happy too!’’
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