Back in April I wrote an article about my fund-raising for Sport Relief. I did a triathlon over 3 weekends. I raised £277 in total helped by my colleagues at Toynbee School who sponsored me.
I work in the visually impaired unit at Toynbee School in Chandler’s Ford supporting children in class, however I have recently begun a new venture in my work life.
Nicole Johnson triathlon cycling.Nicole Johnson triathlon running.Nicole Johnson triathlon swimming.
A new exciting venture
My partner has a furniture restoration business and rents an industrial unit off Allington Lane. The opportunity arose to purchase all the equipment required to start a picture framing business. We made space in the corner of the unit and I began to practise on various projects of my own.
I have a background in display design having studied for the British Display Society Advanced Level Diploma at a college in London when I left school.
We Frame It business by Nicole Johnson and Ian Wall.
A few projects have arrived at the workshop which have challenged me as I learn new skills. I have begun a website We Frame It to help promote the business but the best advert I have found so far has been the sign I spent making over the Easter holidays which now sits on the side of the road in Allington Lane, West End, Southampton.
Starting a new business is a scary experience and to start with I only worked 2 days a week (planning on making that 3 in September) to see how things went. I have always been employed and now having to make all the decisions is a new, slightly daunting experience.
You name it – We frame it
We Frame It
I had to have a name for the business and so sat around with my family brainstorming ideas for a catchy title. “We Frame It” got the thumbs up from everyone and meant that we could add the phrase, “You Name It We Frame It”.
Handing out you own business card that you have helped design feels good though. I have felt the pressures of joining social media to help promote my business having previously avoided it so I now have a We Frame It Facebook Page too.
I am a member of the Fair Oak Art and Craft Society to involve myself with the art going on in my local area. I know that Chandler’s Ford also has a group too, so maybe we should all get together to have an exchange of ideas.
In July, Nicole will be competing in an Olympic distance race in Estonia.
Triathlon challenge in Estonia
When I am not working at school or framing pictures I am busy training for triathlon. On July 12th this year I will be competing in an Olympic distance race in Estonia.
My partner and I are driving through Europe after having dropped in at the campsite for the weekend to watch the start of the Tour De France in Yorkshire. We will be taking a slow drive back from Estonia stopping off where we fancy on the way.
I am also a member of Sotonia Cycling Club. The clubroom is based in the Valley park community centre. We meet every Sunday for club rides from North Baddersley.
I love reading about Mike’s gliding.
Gliding: an amazing experience
I read with interest the articles by Mike Sedgwick who flies gliders from Lasham. Lasham is one of our regular tea stops for our club rides out to the Meon Valley. Maybe you have seen us all sat out on the terrace Mike in our club kit (orange and blue). We may well have seen you soaring above us.
I had the pleasure of a glider flight for my 50th Birthday present and I can highly recommend it. It was an amazing experience as I even got to fly for a while on my own.
It is good to hear someone doing so much in life. Congratulations on the business venture, it is not an easy thing to do but extremely satisfying and creative when it becomes successful.
At Lasham we notice the visiting clubs and it is nice to see them. We get police training drivers drop in as well as cycling cubs. The Restaurant there is open to the public and you just might be tempted to take a flight.
As for all that physical activity; I would rather be comfortably reclined in my glider!
It is good to hear someone doing so much in life. Congratulations on the business venture, it is not an easy thing to do but extremely satisfying and creative when it becomes successful.
At Lasham we notice the visiting clubs and it is nice to see them. We get police training drivers drop in as well as cycling cubs. The Restaurant there is open to the public and you just might be tempted to take a flight.
As for all that physical activity; I would rather be comfortably reclined in my glider!