Kulthida is a 40 year old mother of 5, who lives in Middlesbrough
She has a very strong work ethic and originally from Thailand, she was determined to develop her English to improve her job opportunities and to support her children with their integration into school life.
Kulthida is a very talented lady; a gifted artist, beauty therapist and seamstress. With all of these skills she hoped to secure work quickly. However; due to family commitments this became increasingly difficult.
During this difficult time suddenly Kulthida’s world was turned upside down and she was left on her own to raise her children, further tragedy befell her when she suffered a personal family bereavement.
This had a huge impact on Kulthida and her children; however through Kulthida’s tenacity, her unstoppable will power and spirit she was determined to make the best for her children.
Being unable to secure work, she did not know who to turn to. She discussed this with her Adviser, Kym McLaren, at Middlesbrough Job Centre who referred Kulthida to Five Lamps.
Kulthida was referred to the Family Wise project, which is funded by the European Social Fund to support families with multiple problems.
She worked with Jane Simpson, Five Lamps’ Family Coach to create an action plan tailored around her strengths, aspirations and the challenges she faced.
Jane assured Kulthida she would support her through the Family Wise project to achieve her dream of becoming a self- employed dress maker.
As a dressmaker and experienced seamstress Kulthida is able to create unique, bespoke garments by using either the customer’s choice of material or Kulthida’s exquisite materials and colours.
Jane referred Kulthida to Martin Fletcher at Enterprise Revolution, who provided coaching and practical support on self-employment; business plan; cash flow forecast and HMRC revenue guidance.
Jane provided further information to Kulthida on the New Enterprise Allowance which enables the unemployed to progress to self-employment, whilst receiving financial support for the first six months of their business.
On the 1 August 2014, Kulthilda started trading and achieved her dream to secure her own dressmaking business. Her Business ‘Minthra Clothing Alteration & Design Service’ is located on Grange Road, Middlesbrough.
Kulthida’s business is growing from strength to strength and she explained:
“I am so grateful to Five Lamps and Enterprise Revolution for assisting me to achieve my dream. I could not have done it without them”
Family Wise is funded from the European Social Fund support for families with Multiple Problems contract.