GROWING OUR OWN: CREATING DIGITAL CAREERS IN HANDSWORTH – AT NO COST

One day I took my bag and walked to the local high street, Soho Road in Birmingham, to see as many businesses as I could. I had never run my own business before, although I’d always wanted to. I didn’t really have much money, and I didn’t go to the bank for a loan or anything like that.

I simply printed out some flyers and handed them out in every shop, store and building I could manage. In that one day I went from thinking about starting to my own business to actually doing it. I didn’t ask for anyone’s permission, and I didn’t really get help from anyone either. But from those humble beginnings I found my first client (who is still a client to this day).

Many years have passed since, but from that day on I’ve worked with a huge range of companies, in all kinds of fields, with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Clients who were happy with my work began to refer me to their friends and family. I began to meet other freelancers and creative people. StudioRav became a webdesign company people wanted to work with.

Now I want to see aspiring young people in Handsworth realising the potential which exists in the digital industry, whether their interests and abilities are creative or commercial or both.

There is no charge for students on this programme – we will cover the cost of courses and tutoring. If you are interested and aged between 16 and 24 click on this link STUDIORAV and scroll to the bottom of the page to check eligibility/submit your details.