Sarah Finlay started her chocolate company Miss Coco in 2009.
‘I learned how to make chocolates from watching various YouTube videos and reading as many books as I could get my hands on, eventually saving up to do a few courses,’ she told us.
In order to develop her business skills, Sarah signed up to Scottish Enterprise’s ‘Encouraging dynamic global entrepreneurs’ programme.
‘I do everything across the board for our company. I’m the administrator, I’m the accountant, I’m the marketer, I’m the manufacturer, I’m the packager.
A lot of it is creativity and a lot of it is marketing and selling the brand. Making sure the brand is strong and it’s aimed at the right people.’
A Glasgow University graduate, Sarah has previously participated in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Earth Scotland in 2009.
‘That’s probably where the fun, girly factor comes into the business.’
Sarah’s advice for would-be food and drink entrepreneurs?
‘Learn as much as you can. There as so many people who are willing to help you out there. Gather as much information as you can and just go for it.’
What next?
Learn more about your strengths and how you could use them to start up your own company.
