Swansea resident and mother, Christie Powell, dream was to open her own dog grooming salon. Thanks to Christie determination and support from the employment service Workways+, this dream is now a reality.
A period of unemployment had left Christie feeling lost and frustrated and although she had experience in healthcare, this was not a sector she wished to return to. Dog grooming was what she really wanted to do but without any training, qualifications or experience, Christie did not think this was an option, particularly during the Covid lockdown.
Christie contacted Workways+ to find out what support may be open to her. Workways+ provided her with a mentor, Lynette, to work one to one with her in a relaxed no pressure way.
Lynette provided a wide range of employment support including finding a 15 week dog grooming course, perfect for Christie’s needs with all costs fully funded by Workways+.
Next, Workways+ set about finding Christie a paid work opportunity placement with a dog grooming salon to help her earn a wage and get experience. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, a suitable placement could not be found. However, Christie was able to volunteer at a dog grooming salon and this provided her with working experience.
Christie worked hard at her training course and successfully passed it and was awarded her dog grooming qualification. Workways+ provided a ‘better off calculation’ to identify how her benefits would be affected by working. Armed with this knowledge and confident that she would be financially better off working, Christie and Workways+ set about seeking the best employment option. Balancing commitments to childcare, it was agreed that self-employment was the best way forward. Christie has now opened her own salon ‘Boopers Dog Grooming Services’.
Christie said, “Workways+ really made me go after what I wanted to do. The support from my coach Lynette has just been amazing and made all of the difference. It made me believe that I could retrain and follow my passions. I think they are just amazing. The support one to one has really pushed me into pursuing becoming a dog groomer, and made me want to aim high for my future. I couldn’t praise them anymore for everything they have done for me. I would recommend Workways+ to others, 100%. I couldn’t recommend them enough”.
Christie promotes her business on Facebook, please search for Boopers dog grooming services.
Workways+ helps unemployed people into work and is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.