Genesis supports single mum to launch her own coffee shop

A lone parent from Llanelli has proven she has the right ingredients for success after launching her own business with the support of Genesis.

Lyndsey Davies is the proud new proprietor of Swiss Valley Coffee Shop, a café and restaurant based at Swiss Valley Garden Centre.

The single mum of two small children has never run her own business before, or even had any qualifications in catering, but with focused support from the Genesis team, she is now living her dream.

Genesis, a European Social Funded project, aims to improve life for local families, with particular focus on lone parent families who are unemployed and economically inactive.

When she was referred to Genesis by colleagues in Flying Start, Lyndsey was low in confidence and was socially isolated. She was also unsure about which path to choose in terms of employment or training.

Genesis supported her with advice, guidance and mentoring, and also supported her to seek training opportunities, which resulted in a placement at Coleg Sir Gar.

Her self-esteem was raised to such an extent, that when she heard there was an opportunity to start her own coffee shop in Swiss Valley, she approached the owner of the Garden Centre and took her future in to her own hands.

“I’ve got mixed feelings of apprehension and excitement,” she said, “but I hope that it becomes a well-established business. In the future, I’d like to offer volunteering placements at the café to individuals who are actively seeking to work towards entering employment.”

Estelle Etheridge-Lawrence, Genesis co-ordinator, added: “Lyndsey’s story is an inspiration to all lone parents. Self employment always feels like a goal to far to reach, but Lyndsey has proved that with hard work and the right support, it is possible to reach your goals.”

Genesis can provide support through many avenues such as sign posting, advice and guidance, training, education, volunteering, childcare, self-esteem and confidence building, parenting, counselling and financial assistance to access training, employment, education and volunteering.

For further information contact the Genesis Sir Gar team on 01554 744340.