Hampshire’s Lockdown Entrepreneurs: From Personal Trainers to Brownie Tycoons and Beyond
The Covid lockdown may have thrown everyone into disarray, but for some innovative entrepreneurs in Hampshire, it became the catalyst for transformation and opportunity. As people turned to their passions, a wave of new businesses emerged, crafting success from the uncertainty. Let’s explore a few of these remarkable stories that have blossomed amid adversity.
Turning Fitness into Flavor: The Rise of Duo Delights
From Gym to Gourmet: The Cadman Transformation
Meet Leanne and Keegan Cadman, a dynamic duo from Fleet, Hampshire. Previously personal trainers, their fitness business came to a halt when the UK entered lockdown in March 2020. Leanne recalls the sense of dread as gyms closed their doors: “It was quite scary in that moment, the uncertainty, not knowing what was coming next."
In the face of this uncertainty, they turned to culinary creativity and began baking—transforming their home kitchen into a bustling brownie factory. "We had a single oven, one baking tray. That baking tray was in and out all day,” reminisces Leanne. The demand skyrocketed so quickly that their operations outgrew their home, moving first to a converted garage and eventually into an industrial unit.
Fast forward to today, the Cadmans are producing an astonishing 100,000 brownies annually through their brand, Duo Delights. Their journey from fitness to treats has not only been rewarding but has also kept them in good shape: “Unloading over 1,000 kg of chocolate definitely counts as a workout!” Keegan quips.
From Cabin Crew to Candle Creators: The Story of Hampshire Candles
Ignite Your Passion: Paul and Tom’s Bright Idea
In another corner of Hampshire, a different kind of spark was ignited during lockdown. Paul Moorhouse, who previously lit up stages in the events industry, and Tom Holman, once a cabin crew member, found themselves suddenly jobless. With time on their hands, they turned a shared hobby into a business venture: Hampshire Candles.
With a swift rise in orders, they took a leap of faith by securing a larger space, bravely signing a five-year lease. “It was probably the scariest thing we’ve ever done,” Tom admits. But their risk paid off significantly; from just two to ten orders a day, they skyrocketed to dispatching over 10,000 orders in the recent Christmas period alone.
Hampers of Hope: Adie Callaghan’s Culinary Turnaround
Finding Opportunity Amidst Crisis
Adie Callaghan faced her own challenges when her twelve-year-old events catering business crumbled under the pandemic’s weight, overshadowing her once-thriving enterprise catering for high-profile clients. "It was horrific," Adie recalls. But in a twist of fate, she pivoted her focus to a small hamper business she had been nurturing on the side. “Suddenly, all these orders started coming through the website—it saved our bacon,” Adie explains.
In just a year, The New Forest Hamper Company flourished, producing 14,000 hampers. As demand surged, Adie expanded her team, employing twelve people full-time and an additional eighteen freelancers. “Some of the messages we received with the hampers were humbling,” she reflects, reminding us of the joy these little packages brought to families separated during the holidays.
With plans to open a physical store in Sway by June 2024, Adie is optimistic about the future. "We’re building a lovely reputation, and people are coming from further afield," she says, showcasing the resilience of entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The stories of Leanne, Keegan, Paul, Tom, and Adie exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience that emerged from the chaos of Covid lockdowns. As they each turned their setbacks into successful ventures, they became beacons of hope for others navigating similar challenges.
It’s a powerful reminder that even in tough times, opportunity can be crafted from the ashes of despair. As Leanne wisely states, “We have built a great business from lockdown.”
For those looking to thrive in uncertainty, the tales of these Hampshire entrepreneurs serve as profound inspiration.
Want to Read More?
For more stories of inspiring entrepreneurs and innovative businesses, explore additional articles on BBC News or The Guardian. Let these tales fuel your own entrepreneurial journey!
