Business Name: Lesley’s Aquatics
Support Received: Start Up Loan, Start & Grow
Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire
When Lesley-Ann Gibson won two goldfish during a visit to a fair many years ago, she could never have known that it would lead her to a future career and becoming self-employed.
Now, several years later and having developed a passion for aquatics, Lesley-Ann is over the moon to have started her own business. She opened Lesley’s Aquatics in Grantham in April 2017.
We spoke to Lesley-Ann about her start-up journey and plans for the future.
Tell us about Lesley’s Aquatics.
We specialise in both tropical and cold water fish. Lesley’s Aquatics has filled the gap in the town for an independent aquatics-only shop, rather than a general pet store. This, combined with my endless research, passion and enthusiasm for fish keeping has made me determined to succeed.
How did you feel when you gained your first customer?
After working from home for four years, I knew that opening a shop offered a key to an exciting future, and the buzz I received when I welcomed my first customer confirmed that the start-up journey had been worthwhile.
The feeling was amazing. It really gave me confidence and pushed me to make sure I continue to learn more along the way.
What have you learnt on your start-up journey?
I have already learnt a huge amount during my whole time keeping and researching fish, including welfare, dealing with illness, as well as developing my business skills.
Of course I am still learning, and it will be a never-ending learning business, with a wide range of rare and exciting new fish to yet discover.
