STACEY NOTTINGHAM Owner, Bombshell Design
What were your career ambitions growing up? Believe it or not, from a very young age I always wanted to have and run my own business. I can’t remember specifically what age this began. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do but the older I got, I realised that my talent and love was in drawing. At University, I discovered a passion for digital art and at this point I knew that Graphic design, web and digital design was the way I wanted to go. What led to the inception of the business? Once I left university, I began to search for graphic design work. This was a lot harder than I imagined and as such I had to take jobs in other areas. Through what I can only assume is fate, lead me to cross paths with an old friend who was a graphic designer. We got our heads together and confronted what was a hugely male dominated sector. There were no other female only ran design companies and we decided to make that change. Tell us about your current role? My current role is running Bombshell Design, which I love dearly but has its ups and downs like any job or business. There are no 9-5 hours. However, I love helping businesses grow creatively. What services do you provide? Graphic design ranging from branding, stationery, posters, brochures, banners, adverts, I basically design all marketing materials and can put a marketing strategy in place to help grow your business, even on a budget. Social Media marketing which, during this pandemic has been vitally important to create an awareness for businesses. Brochure websites and E-commerce sites, from a Template to a custom design, we can cater for all. What is your proudest business achievement? My biggest achievement was actually setting up the business itself. I was fairly young when I did it and had to mature quickly in a business sense. I took sole ownership of the business and this came with its own rewards and struggles. In the last two years, I have excelled way beyond even what I perceived as my own capabilities. Bombshell is going from strength to strength, and this has only happened because of me. Sometimes you have to look back and pat yourself of the back. This has only encouraged me to achieve greater things and really put Bombshell Design on the map. I am hopefully looking to expand and grow the business, gaining more clients in the Newcastle and Durham area. My aim is to have Bombshell Design as the go-to digital design company in the North East. What are you currently working on? Currently we are working on a large homecare website for a company in Wales, some brochures for a few clients and a LOT of social media accounts from Scotland to London. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? Be true to yourself, be strong and stand out from the crowd! Your business will always evolve and grow, adapt and align so enjoy the ride. Embrace change and trust is the key to any relationship! Also, I was once told by someone very wise – “Always regret something you do do, rather than regret something you don’t do!” How has the industry changed in the last decade? Like most industries, the digital and graphic design world is ever evolving. There is no denying that we are now in the digital age and therefore people are more skilled. We are quite an impatient nation so with the evolution of technology we seem to want everything at our fingertips with just one scroll or click away. People often think they can do the work themselves and there are well-known companies promoting this type of work. Whilst this may work for some, others quickly realise that in perhaps two or three clicks, they could have got Bombshell Design. How do unwind outside of work? The simple things in life help me relax and unwind. I like to go for a run with or without the dog and walk her for miles. I do things with my partner and of course a glass of wine and a bubble bath. What female doesn’t like that?
