Asperger's Syndrome sufferer launches own business after almost 10 years of unemployment

At the age of 19, Jessica Muckelt, from Dalton-in-Furness was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. She was told that she was unlikely to ever hold down a job but eight years later, at the age of 27, Jessica defies convention and with the help of InBiz, a welfare to work organisation dedicated to promoting self employment as a way out of unemployment, launches her own business, Animal Sketches.

Animal Sketches provides animal lovers with the opportunity to commission hand drawn pencil and pastels sketches of their favourite animals. Since launching the business, Jessica, who has been drawing since she was a child, has been commissioned to sketch portraits of a range of animals including; dogs, cats as well as tigers and hyenas. All sketches are drawn from photographs, taken by Jessica or sent to her once a customer places an order.

Prior to setting up her business, Jessica approached InBiz for advice and guidance on how to set up her own business. She had low self esteem and confidence and questioned her ability to become self employed as she had little business knowledge. Working with her business adviser, Kath Dalton, Jessica began to realise running her own business was an achievable goal.

Together, Jessica and Kath put together a business plan to get the business on track and set short and long term goals. Kath encouraged Jessica to contact Furness Enterprise, which run a free part-time business development programme in Barrow in Furness for people wanting to start their own business. Following the successful completion of the Furness Enterprise programme where she achieved a NVQ Level 2 qualification, Jessica was given £1500 seed money which she used to cover the cost of her equipment and website construction.

Commenting on her experience of InBiz, Jessica said: "I don't think I could have launched my business without the support of InBiz, Furness Enterprise and my family. I feel like I'm finally contributing something to society, which has provided me with a purpose and focus. I have found a great work / life balance doing something I love, not many people can say that. I'm appreciative for the support Kath, my InBiz adviser, has given me and will be forever grateful.”

Kath Dalton, InBiz adviser added: “The assumption that if you're diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, you're unlikely to work is incorrect. Jessica's achievements prove that with the right support Asperger's sufferers can live a full life. She's an inspirational individual with a unique gift. She was determined to be more than just a statistic, I'm delighted that her business is doing well and that she's able to juggle her work and home life in a way that allows her to manage her condition proactively. I wish her all the best in the future."

Examples and information on the range of artwork provided and additional gift packages are available on: www.animal-sketches.co.uk

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