Nikki

Nikki found her local library gave her all the information and support she needed when she was going through a big change in her life – transitioning from a lengthy teaching career to being self-employed. 

"I'd taught maths for 32 years at schools and colleges in Exeter, Dawlish, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth most recently and also Tanzania and Kuwait," said Nikki, 57, who lives in Teignmouth. "But two years ago I retired from teaching to start my own business making bespoke leather goods". 

Nikki is now developing a business doing leatherwork making one-off handbags, dog harnesses, personalised tablet/file covers and comfortable stilettos. She also works part time running the Teignmouth seafront sauna and keeps her hand in teaching with occasional GCSE and A level maths tutoring. Nikki has been a regular at Teignmouth library for many years. 

"I'd had a hobby of making leather goods for a while, and loved listening to audiobooks while I was doing it. I've been a regularly library user for decades and now enjoy audiobooks as much as actual reading – I'm currently listening to the huge set of Jack Reacher books written by Lee Child after loving the telly series. I always find that the books are better than the TV. My partner was also 'swept along' by an audio book (Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks) - we listened for hours in the car on a trip to the Lake District." 

When making the jump from her job to her new self-employed venture, Nikki spotted a series of free 'Boost Your Business' courses being run at Newton Abbot library.  

"The free classes gave me a massive heads up about what to expect when becoming self-employed. It helped me understand the 'multitude of hats' a one-person set up has to wear. From designing and making the goods to accounts, social media and advertising my wares.  

"I love how warm and friendly the libraries and library staff are. Always welcoming and full of knowledge which is happily shared. Thank you for being a part of my journey."