Alice Bowe
Coming up roses
Alice Bowe, 25, was studying fine art at Oxford when she decided she was more interested in real plants rather than pictures of them. An art show at the Oxford Botanic Gardens prompted her to set up her own landscape design consultancy. She tells us how she's made it grow. . .
What gave you the idea for Alice Bowe Design?
I got interested in garden design when I was at art school; in the design industry, setting up on your own seems like the obvious step, so I can't really take the credit!
What were you doing at the time you had the idea?
I was still a student when I decided to set up my own business, which actually helped a lot. So many careers in the arts are temporal and insecure that I wasn't scared of the uncertainty and risk.
What was the first thing you did to try and make the idea happen?
I fell into working for myself when, as a student, I was asked to take on a large restoration project in Oxfordshire.
It made me realise how little I knew about the practicalities of running a business, so I took time out to complete a basic business course and write my business plan at The Hive, a business incubation centre in Nottingham's Trent University.
Although it felt a bit like going backwards, and a little bit obvious, it was the best thing I could have done because I really was clueless at the time!
Who helped you, and how?
The Hive were fantastic, and without them I don't think I'd have had the stamina to write a proper business plan. Their entrepreneurs are a brilliant source of inspiration and support because they are going through the same sort of experiences and inspire a competitive streak.
Similarly, family and friends offer invaluable support but most importantly of all, common sense. I find the best ideas tend to emerge down the pub – so I guess beer is important too!
When did the idea start looking viable?
I was confident from the start, and always believed the business would be a success, but I began to make a profit far sooner than anticipated. I still have to pinch myself occasionally!
I used to get teased when writing my business plan for being too pessimistic – it looks like they were right!
What obstacles did you encounter along the way?
I encounter obstacles every day, which is what keeps me interested. I have a fantastically short attention span and so thrive on challenge.
As a designer, my job is to solve problems. It makes no odds to me if the challenge is garden or business related.
My biggest challenge at the moment is managing the sudden growth of the business but I'm sure as soon as I've worked my way through it, there will be another around the corner. . .
When did the idea officially get up and running?
I officially launched on 1 January 2005 – looking back, that's a Saturday and a Bank Holiday! I was obviously a workaholic from the start. The business didn't begin to get busy until May but I was glad, as I had so much preparation still to do!
Future plans for the idea?
Lots! Although the bespoke design work is the main focus of the business, there are lots of (top secret) related products under development, as well as my writing and work for TV. There are just not enough hours in the day - but at least there's no time to get bored.
Advice to anyone else who wants to make their idea happen?
Go for it!