Pollyfinders is a tea room located in the heart of Randalstown.  It provides a range of food to the general public including tea/coffee, cooked breakfasts, homemade lunches, afternoon tea as well as take-away meals.

Name: Alfreda Blonske

Company Name: Pollyflinders Tea Rooms

Address: 50 Main Street, Randalstown BT41 3AB

Tel: 028 9447 9894 

Started: 18 May 2009 

Background

I worked in the tea room for 4 years and carried out a range of roles including waitress, cook and manager.  I really enjoy working with food and meeting people and wanted to start my own business in this sector and luckily the opportunity came along for me.

What was your motivation for going into business?

The owner of the business approached me one day and asked me if I wanted to purchase the business and because I had worked in it for a number of years I was up for the challenge and so I purchased it and it has been going ever since.  I think it was because I knew the business and how it operated and knew I could make a go of it.  I have always wanted to be my own business as I like to make my own decisions and see the direct result of those decisions.

What does your business involve?

Pollyfinders is a tea room located in the heart of Randalstown.  It provides a range of food to the general public including tea/coffee, cooked breakfasts, homemade lunches, afternoon tea as well as take-away meals.  It is open 6 days per week

What support did you get in starting up?

Although I knew the business inside and out I was not sure about all the aspects of starting a business, particularly the finance side of things which scared me.  I received 1:1 support from the Go for It Programme delivered by Antrim Enterprise Agency who was very flexible as they came out to see me as and when I needed them and as a direct result I developed a business plan as well as a 12 month working cashflow which is vital to the business.

What is your biggest success to date?

Sustaining the business in this environment and being able to sustain a member of staff and the fact that I am working for myself and I enjoy it.

Where is the business now?

Business is still going well, I have my regular customers who love to call in for a warm cuppa and a chat and new customers every day which is great to see.

What’s the next step?

I would like to potentially move into the area of outside catering but I need to pass my driving test for which I am taking lessons for.  This will hopefully increase my awareness within and outside Randalstown.

Any advice?

You must be 100% committed and work hard to make it a success.  If you need to employ someone, ensure you get someone you trust.