Local business people who have taken on apprentices

Local entrepreneurs were congratulated in Stratford for successfully setting up their own businesses in difficult times.

Families, JobCentre representatives, and careers advisors gathered at the Stratford Office Village on Romford Road on Friday August 17 at the headquarters of employment contractors A4E Newham for a ceremony to award individuals who had gone from unemployed to owning their own businesses.

Organised by business advisor Blessing Asomugha, certificates were awarded along with gifts to help the former jobseekers start off their businesses.

One of the people awarded on the day was Jennita Toussaint, a single parent who was claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance at Stratford Jobcentre.

Once Jennita reached a certain stage, she was referred to Blessing and her team at the Stratford Office Village who took her through the steps of setting up her online cake baking and decorating business called Glorious Cakes Galore.

Jennita said: “It is still early days and there’s still a way to go, but I know that with the continued support I will go far with this business.”

Another local entrepreneur was Sonia Isabel De Sousa was gave up her job as a dental nurse assistant to bring up her children.

Out of work for nine years, Sonia undertook work experience in furniture restoration with Stitches in Gospel Oak which inspired her to set up Pixies Treasure Box.

Presented with a sewing machine from the staff at A4e Newham, Sonia said: “I have now got my own business. I do furniture restorating and body cast sculptures of torsos, pregnancy, etc.

“I have already started selling furniture and I know things will be even better in the future.”