No stopping sculptor’s daughter (From Durham Times)

No stopping sculptor’s daughter

12:45pm Friday 5th December 2008 in Business

THE daughter of sculptor Fenwick Lawson has overcome not one, but two debilitating conditions to launch her own greeting card business.

Joanne Lawson thought she would never work again after being diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy (ME) and narcolepsy.

The conditions affected her so badly that she was left unable to leave her house in Langley Park, Durham.

However, her determination to be creative led the former art and design techer to establish Anannaimage.com.

She found inspiration for her online business while looking back through some of her past artwork. She decided to scan the images into her computer and use them as greeting card designs that could be sold online.

She said: “Having my own online business is the perfect opportunity for me to continue working and explore my passion for art, without my illnesses stopping me from getting on with my life.

“My designs are inspired by mythology and the classics, they reflect what women experience every day in the modern world. The cards provide uplifting messages for birthdays or simply show someone you are thinking of them.”

She was helped in setting up her business by Business Link, and said: “Business Link helped transform my initial business idea into a reality by providing guidance on how to formulate a business plan, which really gave me the direction and foresight I needed to succeed.

“Business Link also put me in touch with a web design company who I worked with to develop and implement an online ordering system. They also provided me with content management and legal support.”

Sarah Travis, Business Link account manager, said: “Joanne is an inspiration to anyone who is unable to get to work due to ill health and really endorses the benefits of starting your own business from home.

“Developing an online presence is a great way for small businesses to access a mass market in a cost effective way. Joanne’s designs are both unique and inspirational and it has been great to work with such a determined individual.”

For further information about Business Link, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845-600-9006.