Q: What inspired you to start your business?
I had an MBA in international business, but no one would employ me because I lacked experience. So, I turned that challenge into determination and founded PG Paper from my kitchen table, trading waste materials destined for landfill. What started as a setback quickly grew into passion, and I discovered a powerful truth: there is always a market when you buy at the right price. That mix of opportunity, impact and inspiration sparked my journey.
Q: What was the very first step you took?
I put the idea on paper, supported it with research and tested it with people I trusted. Their feedback, combined with what I uncovered through my research, gave me the confidence to move forward. From there, it was about taking one small but consistent step at a time.
Q: Did you have a clear plan, or did things evolve as you went?
I had a general direction, but the business evolved with every challenge, experience and customer insight. I’ve always believed in constant learning, and that mindset showed me that flexibility is far more valuable than a fixed plan.
Q: What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Balancing the many roles of an entrepreneur while staying resilient in the face of uncertainty and external challenges. Managing everything at once has been demanding, but it has also taught me some of my most valuable lessons.
Q: What’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting?
That nothing needs to be perfect before you begin. The most important step is simply to start, and everything else can be learned and improved along the way.
Q: Who supported you most in the early days?
My family and close friends, who believed in me even when I doubted myself. I also invested time in researching funding opportunities and applying for grants, with my very first grant coming through Business Gateway.
Q: How do you define success for your business?
For me, success goes beyond profit or growth. It is about making a real impact by supporting communities, building sustainable solutions and solving problems for partners, while contributing to the bigger picture and staying true to our values.
Q: What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Personally, it was making my first sale. That exciting moment gave me the confidence to believe the idea could work. Professionally, it has been watching the business grow to create jobs, build partnerships and make a wider impact.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, learn fast and surround yourself with supportive people. Never underestimate the power of research and asking questions, because curiosity and preparation are just as important as courage.
Q: If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?
I would have started sooner. Experience is the best teacher, and every failure has been an opportunity to learn, grow and shape the success of the future.
This September, Business Gateway is celebrating Scottish Start-Up Month. Whether you're a side-hustler, or ready to be your own boss, we’ve got the tools and free support to help you get started. And if you’ve already started up, you can get behind the campaign by pledging your support. Find out more here.
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