EACH week the Evening Times will throw the spotlight on one of the dozens of new businesses determined to succeed.

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success in the face of continuing economic hardship.

Many new businesses are struggling to take off because of the recent economic downturn, and this column aims to offer advice for potential start-ups.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each week.

This week we highlight Denise Smith of Happy Crafts Boutiques

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO?

I create personalised candles, cups, keepsake wall art and seasonal

gifts sets for Christmas, birthdays and memorials. I will continue to add to my collections as the business grows. I also

aim to offer my

handmade, bespoke products at competitive prices.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I currently work from home in order to keep costs down and to maintain the security of a full- time job while having a start-up business.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I have enjoyed crafting for a few years and have learned a variety of skills by pursuing my hobby.

I always love to create unique handmade gifts for family and friends.

When I got married in July I spent many months crafting and doing projects for the big day.

I made my own stationery, centrepieces, candy buffet, gifts and bouquets, which was a lot of fun.

I have had a lot of good feedback from my customers so far which has encouraged me to start the business.

WHAT IS YOUR

BACKGROUND?

I have worked in the dentistry industry for 17 years. I worked as a dental nurse for the first 10 years then moved into dental practice management.

This is currently my day job, which I love, but I also enjoy doing crafts in the evenings and weekends.

Although I'm moving into a new industry, I've picked up lots of businesses skills already and am learning things all the time from other small businesses and from friends and family.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP?

Family and friends will most likely be you first customers: it can be daunting to sell your products to the people you are close to, but remember they are trying to support you and you need to have their support to help promote your business to others.

It also gives you confidence to go out and sell to people you don't know.

HOW LONG HAS

YOUR BUSINESS BEEN RUNNING?

We are a very new businesses and have only just started trading in the last few weeks.

WHO WAS/IS

YOUR MENTOR/OR INSPIRATION?

My family, friends, two children and my husband have been a massive support to me and given me the confidence to start my business.

They've also helped me get through the long days and nights spent making my products.

WHERE DO YOU PLAN YOUR BUSINESS TO BE IN FIVE YEARS' TIME?

I hope to have an online business set up and would love to do this on a full- time basis, possibly opening a small gift boutique in Glasgow.

CONTACT

Email: happycraftsboutique@outlook.com

Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Crafts-Boutique/950634648297159?fref=ts