From Burnout to Business: Abigail’s Inspiring Journey

When Abigail first connected with the People Hub in September, she was at a crossroads.

Her marketing job was coming to an end, and the weight of looming uncertainty combined with mental health challenges left her feeling close to burnout. But Abigail wasn’t one to give up. She knew how to manage her mental health and was determined to turn things around.

In her first conversation with a People Hub Connector, Abigail shared her career goals and showcased her confidence in her employability skills. She had already set aside savings to navigate the gap between jobs and was laser-focused on her dream of starting her own business. In the short term, she aimed to secure another job to cover her expenses while working toward this bigger goal.

Outside of work, Abigail was deeply invested in volunteering for Cornwall Pride. She managed their social media, promoted their events and even gave new life to the charity’s “Penguin Soup” initiative, a programme that had played a pivotal role in her own mental health journey. Her passion for helping others and her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community kept her going.

Through discussions with her People Hub Connector, Abigail refined her aspirations. She realised she had a knack for supporting small businesses, especially in marketing, development and training. Eager to move forward, she attended networking events hosted by the People Hub, which connected her with valuable contacts and helped her outline her next steps.

To build her skills, Abigail took on the “Train the Trainer” course through the Saffron Academy, funded by the People Hub. This training was a game-changer, equipping her with the tools to teach others—an ideal complement to her marketing expertise. By mid-October, she had proudly earned her Level 3 Award in Delivering Teaching qualification.

Armed with fresh skills, Abigail began crafting workshops to teach individuals and businesses how to use social media effectively and positively. Her workshops addressed a pressing local need and perfectly aligned with her mission to uplift others. Her ongoing work with the “Penguin Soup” programme also boosted her credibility and connections within the community.

“The funding has made such a huge difference,” Abigail said. “It took away so much stress, letting me truly enjoy the learning process and complete the course successfully. The support from my People Hub Connector has been incredible. Communication was always clear, and I knew I had someone to rely on.”

Abigail’s hard work is already paying off. She’s collaborating with the Saffron Academy to deliver her social media training sessions, gaining hands-on experience and growing her network. Now fully self-employed, she’s confidently building her business and making her mark.

Looking ahead, Abigail is set to keep expanding her business, using her skills, determination and connections to empower others in Cornwall and beyond. Her journey—from facing challenges to achieving her entrepreneurial dream—is a testament to resilience, passion and the transformative power of support.