I was very impressed with the work going on at onepage that I decided to have a chat with the two founders of the company, Joel Gascoigne and Oo Nwoye.

For those of you that still don’t have a clue what Onepage is, or does…let me put it this way, it is an online business card, instead of you spending money printing out thousands of business cards, you can simply just send the person your one page, that has all and more of the details that will appear on a printed business card, Yup that’s it..Simple, yet efficient!

I do really like the idea, Let me know your thoughts and enjoy the interview.

Hey Guys, How are you doing today? Welcome to YHP

Oo: I am doing great! how are you?

Joel: Hi Joseph, I’m fantastic thank you!

I’m Great you know, just glad to finally get to do this interview with you guys

Can you kindly give us some background information about yourselves?

Oo: My name is Oo Nwoye, I am Nigerian. I studied electrical engineering in Nigeria and my Masters was in eBusiness management at Warwick University. I hope to inspire a new cadre of Nigerian Internet Entrepreneurs.

Joel: I’m Joel Gascoigne, I’ve been playing with computers for as long as I can remember and I’ve been building websites since I was 12. I’m a recent graduate of Master of Engineering in Computing Systems from the University of Warwick. Coming to the end of my degree I made the decision to create my own startup rather than follow convention of further education or employment.

So what do you guys do?

Oo: I am an Internet entrepreneur. I am a co founder OnePage, an application the allows people the organise and share their contact details. I take care of the Marketing Business and Administrative issues. Once in a while I write code. I am assuming html is code.

Joel: I’m co-founder of OnePage and a web developer and entrepreneur. I deliver the product and handle all technical aspects. I also enjoy dabbling in the business and marketing side of things, and I love to find ways to meet other like-minded people whether that’s attending or running events.

Explain to me like a web newbie just getting started in social media, what is one page about and how it works?

OnePage is like your business card, but online. you can access this card with your mobile phone. When you meet someone, instead of handing over a printed business card, you send the person your OnePage. That way, you save the person you are giving your contact card , having to type out your details when he/she gets home. In addition, you avoid wasting paper which is an ecological sensible thing to do.

What would you say makes onepage different other similar websites?

Our emphasis is on getting people to communicate through the cards. For instance, you can be emailled directly from your card. In addition to that your onepage can be embedded in your blog. OnePage is so many things to a lot of people.

Why decide to start a business?

Oo: To have the freedom to control my destiny. I love being in charge and that is only possible if you run your own business and answer to only yourself.

Joel: I aim to be financially and locationally independent, so that I can be anywhere and do whatever I’d like. I also aspire to be an angel investor and mentor who has been through the full process with all its ups and downs, and truly “gets” Internet business.

How and why did you guys get together to start a company?

Oo: I had always known I would start an Internet company and I wanted to launch it in UK. So when I got admitted to Warwick University, I created a Facebook group Warwick Internet Entrepreneurs. After about about 2 months the group had swelled to a grand total of 2 people. Myself and a certain Joel Gascoigne. We met up, and became friends. The rest they say is history.

How was it like starting a business whilst still at university? How did you manage your time?

Oo: We did not start as a business in Uni.We nurtured the idea while at school but it was after we graduated we turned it into a business. While in undergraduate school in Nigeria, I did some little business on the side.

Joel: Throughout my time at University I ensured I was always doing something more than just the required studies, which included freelance commercial web development, working on my own startup ideas and playing around with the technology out there. Starting the business was a natural extension of this, and it is a matter of prioritising things. In reality, my University life was a period of being very busy and sleeping very little, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

What are the benefits of starting a business at university?

Oo: There are several advantages to starting a business in Uni.
First, you have the goodwill of everybody. Staff, professors students etc. You can ask for help from anyone and be sure to get it for free! Afterall, you are only a student.

Secondly, you have a lot of university resources to use for free. The library, computers, meeting rooms and so forth.

Thirdly, you are not under financial pressure to pay your rent and earn money like it would be if you are out of school. Your finances are already taken care of because you would have made the living expenses if you were not doing any business. Therefore you practically have 0 cost in starting right fro school.

Joel: I would encourage anyone at University to take full advantage of the perfect situation they find themselves in if they think about it for a moment.
Your living costs are covered, and you have periods of time with no study to do. Combine this with the immediate market of early adopters for technology-based startup ideas, and you really are missing out if you don’t at least give something a go whilst you’re there.

So how is it going so far at onepage, I know you guys just recently completely opened up onepage? And also moving to another location for your business?

Oo: We moved to Birmingham because we had to be in the same place to work on OnePage. Luckily, we heard of the BSEEN program in Birmingham and applied for it. We them moved there shortly after getting it.

Joel: After graduating, me and Oo were in different locations working remotely on OnePage for a number of months. We needed to be in the same location to take the business to the next level, and we also wanted to be somewhere big enough that there would be things going on. Birmingham was the obvious choice since it was between Sheffield and Coventry where we were, and we also have proximity to London.

Why move to another city, Do you think location is key for every start-up?

Oo: Yes. According to Derik Sivers (Do read his blog) “being in the middle of things increases your chances for opportunities”. It was important to be around the right people and to be in the right environment and for us bigger cities than Coventry are ideal. We wanted a place with good proximity to london without the accompanying costs. birmingham was that for us.

Joel: Location is important, but it is no excuse. Whilst there was pretty much no startup community in Sheffield, that meant I started my own events and created that community. In many ways having to do that was even better than if the community had already existed. Online communities really help with this too, and I encourage people to take their online communities offline too if possible.

What are the key ingredients that make a successful start-up?

Oo: I do not have the sapiential authority to say what makes a successful start up as i have not created one yet. But from my experience and studies, I would say ambition, determination and patience are important for success.

Joel: Get something out fast, change it lots and be open to change the idea (ensure the aim is a successful business, not succeeding with a particular idea). Also, I would say that persistence is the single most important thing. It will be nice to answer this question when we are a “successful startup”

What gives you that extra energy to give moving forward, especially when things gets cloudy?

Oo: My ambition to be a successful internet entrepreneur. For the journey I am on, I must follow this path. I have seen the destination, so it is so exciting

Joel: I always go back to why I am doing this, which is financial independence and being a mentor who “gets it”. When I remember that, I know that the times “when things get cloudy” are actually the most important steps to overcome and look back on, since those will be the steps where others will need help the most.

Is the company self-funded or did you get outside funding?

Oo: We are self funded.

Are you guys looking to get any outside funding?

Money from the right pocket is always welcome. More important than money for us is mentorship from those that have walked the walk we are walking.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far since starting the company?

Oo: It always takes longer than you think. Secondly, it is an emotional rollercoaster. One day you feel on the top of the world, the other day, you feel defeated.

Joel: That nothing happens overnight, that is just how the books and press make it look afterwards. The important thing to do is make every day count.

How have you been going about advertising and marketing the services?

For now, we have been using social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, etc.). Once we launch the mobile version of our app, we will step up the ante and try getting main stream press.

What has been the biggest surprise for guys on this start-up journey?

Oo: Not many surprises though. Since I have read so many statup stories, I have been quite prepared for all I have been experiencing

Joel: How much great information and people are out there. It really is one of the best times to choose to do a startup.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

The day we launched OnePage last year. We had a countdown and had a live feed of us. After the initial rush, we went out and got a beer . I will always look back on that day:)

Which do you think is most important: the right market, the right product, or the right team?

Oo: The right team. The product and market are so unpredictable. With the right team, you can weather any storm.

Joel: I’d also say the right team. You can pivot to a different market, and a different product, but to pivot to a different team is much more difficult. Find the right team, consisting of people who complement your skill sets and will be there to put that confidence and energy back into you when you’re feeling the pressure.

What’s more for you guys at onepage?

Oo: To get ubiquitous. It will be tough but very achievable.

Finally before we go, what advice would you like to give future entrepreneurs that are looking to start their own business?

Oo: Just go for it. take the leap. most importantly, choose who you hangout with carefully. Make sure you surround yourself with people with a similar mind set with you.

Joel: Learn as you go along, don’t let anything hold you back. Avoid the thoughts such as “I don’t have enough experience” or “I don’t have enough money”. That perfect time will never come, and if you even have the slightest desire to do your own thing, then you now have to give it a go. Just do it.

Good Luck Guys and thanks for your time

Thank you for talking to us. We would love for people to connect with us by any means they wish. They can find all our contact information at http://myonepage.com/oo and http://myonepage.com/joel

My Interview with Jessica van Zanten, The 23 years old founder and director of the London Jewellery School, the largest independent jewellery-training provider in the UK.

Hope you enjoy the interview

Hey Jessica, It’s nice to have you here with us today, how are you doing?

I’m good! Great to be here, just a bit tired, been teaching a 5 day jewellery class teaching people how to set up their own jewellery business! It is very rewarding sending them off on their way and watching their
businesses grow.

So tell us about yourself? What do you do?

Well, my name is Jessica van Zanten and I am 23 years old and I am the founder and director of the London Jewellery School, the largest independent jewellery-training provider in the UK. The Jewellery School runs 100’s of jewellery making classes throughout the year, which includes everything from beading and wire-work
to gold and silver jewellery.

My role is running the school along with my trusted staff and tutors, I also teach some of the classes and make sure the school is a friendly, safe and professional place to learn the lovely skill of jewellery making.

What’s your entrepreneurial story? How did you start making jewellery?

Well I started making jewellery around 6 years ago when I was 17 but got serious about it around 3 years ago. I have always loved buying and wearing jewellery and so one day it hit me that making jewellery would be such a fun thing to do, I could make it for friends and family and maybe even make a business out of it.

When I was 20 I decided to take the leap and leave my job to set up making and selling jewellery full-time. I didn’t do a degree or lots of fancy training in jewellery; all of my training has been done through short courses just like the ones we run at the jewellery school. So I am a real advocate of learning through short courses.

I ran my own jewellery business for a few years making and selling jewellery in shops, fairs, online and through friends and family. In the meantime I started teaching jewellery mainly as a side-line initially. Once I began teaching I realised that that is what I really wanted to do.

The jewellery school started just over 2 years ago from a community hall in Dulwich, South London and to begin with we ran one class every month. This was very popular and one class turned in to ten and we now run over 50 classes every month throughout the year. In January 2010 we moved to our current venue in London’s famous jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden and the school is going from strength to strength.

Why did you decide to start London Jewellery School? What is the purpose behind it?

The main reason I decided to set up the London Jewellery School is because when I was doing my training for jewellery making there were so few, high quality jewellery courses in London. There were lots in Birmingham, York, Cornwall and over the UK but barely anything in London. This, combined with the discovery of how much I enjoy teaching and introducing people to the joys of making jewellery was what fueled the drive behind starting the school and I haven’t looked back since.

The purpose of the school is to provide, high-quality, fun and professional jewellery making classes for people of all ages and abilities. Our motto is ‘everyone can make jewellery’ which we truly believe. It is such a fun and rewarding activity which many people think will be too hard or that they are not creative enough, the jewellery school welcomes everyone who wants to learn and have a go.

How is it going so far?

Really good. Its been lots of hard work but we are now happy at our venue in Hatton Garden, have over 16 world-class tutors and an ever growing list of classes. It is such fun being able to come in to work everyday to a jewellery school where people are enjoying their time, there is lots of lovely jewellery being made and it is such a comfortable and friendly environment. I wouldn’t change it for anything!

What are some of the key lessons that you’ve learnt along the way?

Planning! I do tend to jump in headfirst and get very excited by everything, sometimes I forget to plan ahead and make sure everything is going to work. Also to appreciate the people around you, your support networks and don’t forget how valuable they are. And finally not to be too hard on yourself, when you are running your own business there is know one telling you how well you are doing so every now and then you have to give your self a little pat on the back.

How did you raise money to fund it?

I worked for a year before I set up and raised some money through that. I also borrowed a similar amount and the rest has all been done through growth. For the first two years nearly all the money that was made was ploughed back into the school so that we could grow.

What’s your inspiration for the design on your jewellery?

That’s a difficult one, when I am designing my own jewellery my inspiration comes from lots of sources. Everything from art, music and fashion to looking at other jewelers work and even everyday things such as nature and of course materials. But mainly I make things that I enjoy wearing. I also make to commission so that means working from the customers designs, this is a great way of broadening your skills.

What jewellery designer do you most admire?

Wow that really is a difficult one – I can’t just choose one there are 100’s. I like most of the jewelers on Astley Clarke as well as lots of metal clay artists such as Julia Rai and Celie Fago. Also some of our past students such as Emma Hadley and also lots more.

What’s the most expensive item you have sold?

Most of my jewellery is not that expensive, but I did once sell a necklace for £500. That was quite a lot. It was a butterfly necklace made from lots and lots of silver and gold butterfly’s – it was beautiful and looked stunning on the lady that brought it.

What makes a piece of jewellery timeless?

Timeless jewellery would be made with high quality materials and instead of following recent trends it would be something classic that has lasted through the ages such as pearls, gold or silver. Other than that I think it is a very personal thing, what may seem timeless to one person may be junk to another. One of the great things about jewellery is everyone is different and has their own style, jewellery can be a way of expressing this and is unique for everyone.

How has your work developed since you first started designing?

I think it has developed in that I have learnt new techniques and worked with a range of different materials, I have also seen a lot more jewellery from different designers, which has an influence along with lots of experimentation and trial and error. I still haven’t decided where I will land but and just enjoying playing for now and seeing where my own designs take me.

Is jewellery essential?

No. But it is really, really nice!

What kind of person would come to the Jewellery School?

Well anyone can come to the jewellery school and we welcome all ages and abilities, I think that is one of the things that makes us special. But generally specking we have lots of women (some men too) aged between 18-65. So it is quite a range. We also have children’s jewellery workshops in the summer and in holidays.

Most people come because they either want a fun activity to do in their spare time, because it was given to them as a gift or they are starting up a jewellery business and want to learn skills.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?

Probably Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, because I think her music is great and love her style. Also she is a great, young British talent.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Moving to Hatton Garden, It really is the center of jewellery making in London and is just the perfect place for us to be. The school has grown so much since we moved and it is something I will never forget.

Who do you go to for your business advice?

I don’t have one particular person, if I have a question I tend to ask lots of different people for their opinion and then decide based on what they say combined with my thoughts. I think relying on one person for all the answers could be tricky, going to lots of different people gives you a wider perspective on things. Although ultimately the decisions are yours to make and take the consequences of, whether they be good or bad. – Hopefully good!

What is your favorite trend of the moment?

Big floral necklaces and statement pieces with lots of colour. I love them! Bold jewellery covered in flowers – I am actually working on a piece like this at the moment.

How do you relax outside work?

I go salsa dancing! I used to be a dancer so love to dance so I try and go at least once a week, it is really fun, relaxing and much better than the gym.

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

That’s difficult to say – did I mention planning ahead wasn’t my strong point!
Just playing… the jewellery school will be continuing to grow and developing and we are also now selling jewellery-making supplies which we hope to expand on as well as developing our children’s parties and gift certificate programmes.

I think once the jewellery school is running its self, I will spend more time focusing on my own designs and jewellery range, so who knows you may see it in your local shops one day!

Any advice for anyone looking to get involved in the jewellery business?

I think it is the same as any business if you want it enough go for it! It is lots of hard work but also well worth it, it is the best thing I have ever done and if I can do it anyone can. Oh and come to our ‘5-day intensive set up your own jewellery business course’ Its great.

Thanks for your time Jessica.

I don’t want to give anything away so quickly, but let’s just say, just by posting her videos on YouTube, things have gone from good to great for Avery.

Learn about how she got her manager
Who she would love to do a song with at the moment
Who encouraged her to start posting up her videos on YouTube

I would like to thank Aton for making this interview possible.

Hope you enjoy the interview.

photo credit: Brooke Pifer

Hey Avery, So cool of you to join us on YHP, tell us a bit about yourself?

When did you start singing and writing? Which one do you prefer?

I started singing in musicals when I was about 10, and I started writing songs less than a year ago! Singing will always be my passion…but I love the accomplished feeling of being able to say “I wrote that song”…and having your very own words inspire people.

What inspired you to take singing seriously?

What inspired me and kept me going is my passion for singing! I told myself, that I wasn’t born to work in an office when I was older, it just didn’t seem right. I feel like singing is what I was born to do, and the only thing that will make me happy.
What also inspired me is my want, to make an impact on the world, just like lots of great artists that have made an impact on me and my thinking through their music.

What was the first song you wrote?

“It’s Only Love”

To anyone who hasn’t heard of you yet, how would you describe your sound?
Rock/pop with a bit of edge

So let’s talk about your latest video “Love me or Let me Go”, What are the feedback so far, what was the motive behind it?

I’ve gotten great feedback on the video, the most common comment people give is that they love the ending! The motive behind the song was a boy of course, a boy that should have known, if he treated me badly, he was going to get a song written about him!

How do your parents feel about all of this?

My parents used to say that I had to go to college first before I could have my singing career… But now, they’ve realized that there’s a window of opportunity..I have to take it because it’s a once in a lifetime thing! They are overwhelmed…but deep down I know they’re excited!!

How did you get into posting videos on YouTube and how has that helped you out? Also you have facebook, twitter that makes your video more accessible

Well, it all started when my friends and I did a remake of the Sweet Child O Mine car scene from the Stepbrothers movie. I had the solo in it, and I started getting really good comments. About a year later, my mom convinced me to start posting videos…and I am SO glad I did because it got my music out there, and created my fan base! YES twitter is awesome for spreading the word about my new videos, facebook as well!

Who do you look up to in the music industry?

Paramore, Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, and many more

How did you meet your manager? How has that helped you so far?

THAT’S a funny story. Well, you know that stepbrothers video I was telling you about? Aton (my manager) was with his friends, and they were looking at different remakes people did, and someone happened to click on mine.

My manager was sitting a few feet away, and heard me and contacted us right away! My mom was hesitant though…she thought he was an internet creeper…so she backed away from it. A year later, he suddenly said he was flying out to meet us. Next thing you know, he’s my manager! It has helped me TREMENDOUSLY, I wouldn’t be where I was if it weren’t for him…it’s funny the way things can all work out.

What artist would you like to work with at the moment?

JUSTIN BIEBER He is so talented…and cute obviously

How many instruments do you play?

I play guitar, and a little piano.

How do you stay focused and not get carried away with everything going on?

It’s hard, especially having to juggle school/grades, and then also flying to another state to go record and work, but I know my goals, and how badly I want this…when I’m determined nothing can stop me!

Do you think the next push is getting a record deal, I’m sure the possibility would have crossed your mind?

Well, my video has gotten me noticed by a lot of people, and I have had some meetings…so we shall see!!

What do you do for fun when you’re not singing or writing?

Hmmm…well when I do get a chance, I LOVE shopping and hanging out with friends, or just hanging out and watching TV.

And can you sum up yourself in just five words?

I defy the standards

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

LOTS AND LOTS OF ROCKIN MUSIC!!!

What advice can you give to anyone out there looking to break into the music industry?

YOUTUBE IS AWESOME…it helped Justin Bieber, it’s helping me, and so many others.. So post videos! Have confidence, write songs, be unique and always be yourself!

Thanks for your time and opportunity Avery

Stay Connected with Avery and Watch the rise of another music artist
www.Averyofficial.com
www.Twitter.com/Averyofficial
www.Facebook.com/Averyofficial

I would like to thank Emmanuel Anthony of treehouse In for making this feature possible

Naomi Jane is an award winning entrepreneur, model and ex- European title Beauty Queen.

Naomi runs The 4WD Foundation, an award winning social enterprise that specialises in youth engagement strategy and youth-led research. The 4WD Foundation helps London’s young people access life-changing information, opportunities and resources through various youth-led multi-media platforms.4WD projects aim to enable London’s young people to make informed positive life decisions, reach more of their potential, and become proactive assets to their community.

Naomi is a public speaker and specialist youth trainer and has delivered and facilitated various training programmes, developmental workshops and motivational speeches for The Safety Box, The Helena Kennedy Foundation, The Peace Alliance, The World Entrepreneur Summit, Royal Holloway, University of London, The Youth of Today, 2morro, WestFocus and Young Enterprise London.

Naomi is also a freelance sales, marketing and online media consultant. She is also a partner in FrSH Entertainment, an independent urban music collective.

Naomi is a member of the Channel 4 Educational Advisory Board and is also the Youth Trustee for the Donald Chesworth Educational Trust, providing disadvantaged young people with grants enabling them to continue their education and for OSW (Off the Streets and into Work) a charity supporting homeless people in their journey to enter sustainable living.

Naomi has just secured her first ever radio show; Naomi will be producing and presenting ‘The Forward Show’ with Kaylie Boyce. It will be aired on Reach 87.7FM every Tuesday in May 2010, 8.30-9.30pm and will feature special guests and conscious UK music in order to discuss and address issues that affect young Londoners.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am very passionate about healthy living, so I spend a large amount of time in the gym training with my good friend and ex-professional athlete Jonathan Barbour. I also enjoy swimming, yoga, pilates and running in the park.

I love traveling and leave the UK to get some alternate culture (and sun!) as often as I can. This Summer I am off to the South of France, Antigua and New York.

I also love dancing to good music, luckily in London there are great music and night scenes that enable me to indulge myself in a night of dancing my feet off / singing along to a great artist whenever I have time. In the coming months I am seeing Alicia Keys, Raheem DeVaughn and Erykah Badu!

What are your plans for the future?

The 4WD Foundation has currently secured funding to pilot a research and online-based youth engagement project. These pilots will be taking place in the London Borough of Croydon and their outcomes will determine the future direction and expansion of The 4WD Foundation. In order to make a great success of the next step in the development of the 4WD Foundation, we are currently recruiting a senior management team.

To Get in touch/involved with The 4WD Foundation:
“4WDFoundation” Twitter | WordPress |
The 4WD Foundation’ on Facebook