Entrepreneur Interview: Lola Atkins, EWAV Works

Business Name:
EWAV Works

Website URL:
www.ewavworks.com

Year Founded:
2004

Number of Employees:
8

What does your company do?
EWAV Works award winning organisation creates projects to empower young people who are facing social challenges.

EWAV Works develops engaging opportunities for 7-25 year olds using digital and new media platforms, such as animation and motion images production. The company has worked with thousands of young people over the past five years, including partnerships with schools and young offender institutions.

Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?

Our first ever nomination and award was a starting point for us. Then we realised that people are more aware of the work that we do and it would open more doors for us moving us to the next level.

What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?
We deliver outstanding customer service and always listen to the needs of our clients.

What is most rewarding about running your business?
Over the years there have been many highlights, from being awarded Best Ethical Business at the Precious Awards in 2009 to becoming an OCR accredited body.

However, the biggest highlight is knowing that the work we do helps many young people in London, especially our programme with young offenders. The satisfaction I get from delivering a service that can possibly help a young kid steer off the violent streets when he comes out of prison is just mesmerising and a profound experience.

The fact that I’m doing something that I love is extremely rewarding. I’m never tired of the work and feel complete when we start and finish any projects.

I’m a strong believer that everyone should get a second shot in life. My motto is “don’t ever quit on life.”

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
I think one of my challenges is getting the balance right with work and my personal commitments. I was one of those people who like to take on too many roles at a time because I was so adamant in the past that the only person that can get things done is me.

It’s only now I’m learning to delegate to others, which has worked out tremendously but this was after a lot of soul searching, trust and finding the best people to work with. Now I have more time to focus on new projects that have been sitting on the bench for years.

If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
Sadly I didn’t have a business mentor, I wish I did though. It would have saved me from making lots of the mistakes I accrued over the years. But, I have to say, making mistakes only pushed me to learn things faster and operate wiser. So I would definetly identify someone who I think would be an asset to me and drive me more to unlock the creative ideas always lurking within me.

I would also try and find someone who has similar visions has me and partner up with them. This can help the business expand at a faster rate because as they say,  ’two heads are better than one’.

What advice do you have for other business owners?
Never, ever, ever give up. Even if someone shuts the door in your face, knock again and keep knocking, and, if they still don’t open the door try another door. There are loads of other doors just waiting to be opened.

Just do it, whether it’s fresh, new, or it’s been done before go for it. At times discouragement may come but always keep your eyes on the prize.

It may appear far off but you will eventually get the prize, you just need patience, endurance and long nights of research and planning. Get lots of advice from friends and family who are happy to give you constructive criticism or advice.

I highly recommend you surround yourself with people who are like-minded who can sharpen you when you’re not at your best. They will always fuel the fire especially when rejection comes, because during the first couple of years there may be too many rejections to handle.

It’s important you only share your vision with people you can trust and be able to push you when you’re almost down and out.

The only person who can stop you from launching your social enterprise, or any kind of business, is yourself, so start telling your ego to get in check and launch whatever you want to do.

Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others:
I’ve been reading the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell of recent and was alarmed that some of the theories in his book was so similar to certain qualities and traits in me that I’ve noticed since I was a child. I just put it down to my quirkiness. I understood after reading the book moer about my drive.

Its definetly a must read.

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m a Scientist a Microbiologist to be precise, and have worked with several pharmaceutical and clinical research companies alongside this I was launching and running my business EWAV Works.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Well, we are planning to branch out nationwide, not just focusing on London and Bristol, to reach other parts of the UK. We are also in the process of launching a couple of new projects in 2011 that will really make EWAV a force to reckon with. In addition, we are launching a new profit streamline to our business. We’ve always been funded by the local authorities and other private organisations, but as the new government will be slashing funding we need to develop ways to sustain ourselves. Consequently we are launching new projects that will take us on a new exciting direction and also make our company larger. I’m excited about the plans we have in the pipeline…so watch this space!