Not many people will wake up one morning and think, “I’m going to start my own marketing agency”. But that was the exact thought Annie Nurse had after being on the receiving end of some poor service from large marketing agencies she had worked with.
On World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we get the lowdown from our MD on how the world of artisan began:
“I just knew there had to be a better way to do things – a way that showed real care for clients and their brands. And so my journey began. Leaving my secure, well-paid job in advertising, I encouraged a great designer to join me on the adventure. With a 2-year-old in tow at the time, now I look back, I must have been crazy, but something inside me told me I could do this – and what a journey it’s been.
“I’m so grateful that some of the clients we attracted all those years ago are my best friends today! Moving from brand to brand, they take us along, and we grow and thrive together. Our reputation as fair, creative and honest people allowed us to quickly evolve into a successful full-service marketing agency, attracting some great brands along the way.
“You have to be a certain type of person to take on the agency world. You don’t have to be super smart, or even highly educated, but you do have to be passionate about what you do and about the clients who trust you with their brands.
“I’ve always had a ‘can do’ approach to work and life in general. Being flexible and agile allows you to grow as a person as well as a business.
“Whether you’re climbing a mountain to get the best shots for a walking brand, pulling all the strings to create a national TV campaign, cleaning show homes for the next video shoot, or simply packing boxes late into the night for an exhibition the next day, your heart has to be in it.
“30 years on, my body won’t let me climb those mountains anymore, but my heart and mind are still very much enjoying the journey!”
So, here’s to Annie and all those brave entrepreneurs who spot an opportunity to do something better and have the courage to get out there and do it.
We’re celebrating all of you this World Entrepreneurs’ Day!
