Are you still at the starting line of your business idea, trying to figure out the first step?
- Thinking you’re not good enough?
- Worried about what people will think?
- Unsure if you’ll even get any customers?
- Don’t know where you’ll find the time?
You’re not the only one.
In the latest episode of The BEESPACE podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting my very first guest, Marta Lyskawa, the mind behind Pearl Home Staging, a thriving home staging business in the Leeds area.
Marta’s journey from a newcomer in the UK to a successful entrepreneur and mum of two is not just inspiring — it’s a testament to what can be achieved with passion, persistence, and a willingness to take the leap into the unknown.
This chat with Marta isn’t about having all the answers or being perfectly prepared. It’s about the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding process of starting from absolutely nothing.
A nice reminder for those of us who are just winging it in business 😉
You can listen to the podcast episode here → https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-beespace-podcast/id1741329186?i=1000661626413
Finding Home Far from Home
Originally from Poland, Marta uprooted her life to the UK in 2007, embarking on a new chapter that would eventually lead her to launching her own business.
This leap of faith into an entirely new country, culture, language, and beginning must be daunting for anyone. The sheer enormity of moving your entire life and existence, and navigating a new environment, while trying to maintain a personal identity and professional life, represents a really profound act of courage and determination.
Discovering the local Polish community became a turning point for Marta, offering more than just familiarity, it provided a professional network of encouragement, support, and inspiration — a home away from home. This was where the seeds of ambition were sown and nurtured by the collective belief in what Marta could be and do.
Beyond the 9-to-5
It was in one of those moments with the Polish networking groups, that Marta experienced her ‘lightbulb’ business moment — a strong realisation that there’s more to life beyond the 9 to 5.
Working at the time as an accountant for two small businesses, Marta was always told growing up “find a good job, get married, have children, have holidays once a year, be happy”, but she felt there was more that she could do.
Her aspirations didn’t have to conform to a cubicle. Instead, they could stretch as far as her vision would reach.
Getting Going – Start Where You Are With What You Have
The art of beginning lies in getting started.
Marta’s business journey didn’t kickoff with grand plans or a hefty investment pot. She leaned into the wisdom of starting with what she had in the moment — her skills, her passion, het network, and the fire in her belly.
Each small step was a brick laid on the foundation of her future business. She started small, by showing what she loved doing (staging homes and interiors) to the Polish networking groups and referrals came from there!
Adapting Through Challenges
Transitioning from her front room to a brand new storage unit, Marta’s business has steadily evolved, mirroring her own growing confidence. This progression wasn’t marked by grand leaps but rather by a series of adjustments and learning experiences.
Facing each new challenge, Marta relied on creativity and determination rather than frustration. These were the tools that helped her navigate the hurdles that came with expanding a growing business – such as bringing in support, streamlining processes, building up an inventory etc.
No Plan B
For Marta, there was no fallback, no plan B.
This venture stemmed from a hobby, a personal joy that organically transformed into Marta’s life and financial security.
“After my first project, I just told everyone what I do, what I wanted to do. And it just started with one client. There was never a plan B for this, because I didn’t expect it to be that big. Because I was still working part-time, so it was just extra income. It was like I converted my hobby into a business,. I enjoyed it but there was never a structured system behind it. I’ve just done it.”
It was authenticity that fueled this progression — a natural development that unfolded as she invested herself wholeheartedly into her work. What started as a ‘side hustle’ alongside her part time job gradually took centre stage.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Juggling the double job role of motherhood and business ownership, especially throughout a global pandemic, has been tricky for Marta.
Yet, amidst those crazy moments of dragging the children around furniture stores and cramming them into backseats, Marta found that introducing her children to the realities of entrepreneurship has helped to grow a sense of hard work and vision. They learned vital life skills — problem-solving, creativity, and a work ethic rooted in the pursuit of passion.
The Future for Pearl Home Staging
We have absolutely no doubt that the journey ahead is bright for Marta and Pearl Home Staging.
As her Business Coach for the last six months, I have seen immense growth in Marta as a business owner. I’ve also seen the structure of her business get nailed down over this last year. And I know there’s so much more to come!
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Marta’s journey, shared in the ‘Building a Business from Nothing’ episode, is jam-packed with lessons of bravery, adaptability, and the sheer determination.
For anyone standing on the sidelines, questioning their readines, let Marta’s story be your guide and inspiration.
Want to speak with me about how to start, grow, or scale your business? Let’s have a chat. ↓
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