Interview – Lydia Berman From Mapper Cards (trading name of Creative Stripes Ltd)

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Now, here’s what lovely Lydia Berman from Mapper Cards (trading name of Creative Stripes Ltd)
had to say…
How and when did your business start?
My background is in brand and marketing and I have more than 25 years experience. I originally started Creative Stripes in 2019 to work with small businesses, and I was soon getting asked for support during covid for start-ups and those needing to quickly grow their business on a small budget, and it got me thinking about how I could convert one of my workshop tools into a product I could offer.
I was on the NatWest Accelerator (which changed me and my business!) and worked with the coaches to evolve the idea into the product it now is. So, the idea… well, I am dyslexic, have ADHD amongst a list of other things and realised how I prefer to visually plan out ideas, and that I work better, and more creatively, when I have something tactile to use. So, I created Mapper Cards as sets of cards which allow you create a visual overview of the task, each set comes with prompts and tips. I originally launched the first version in 2020, but only started to grow the business in 2024.
The business has grown into both a product and service based business, where we offer training and workshops, as well as sell the products for people to use themselves. There are currently 5 in the range, Social Media Mapper Cards, Marketing Plan Mapper Cards, Business Idea Mapper Cards, Young Entrepreneur Business Idea Mapper Cards and Website Mapper Cards.
What have been your biggest challenges in business?
Health has always been my biggest issue, I have had multiple health issues and several operations and I always encourage other business owners to add multiple revenue streams as I strongly believe this is where we can allow ourselves the time to bring balance into our lives. This was something I decided to prioritise for my own business, and we have now have four revenue streams into the business!
As a dyslexic, I find the numbers side of the business daunting and have had to rely on trusted support to help me overcome this.
What tips would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own business?
Take every bit of support you can in the first few years, there are so many organisations who offer free coaching and mentoring such as the NatWest Accelerator and Small Business Britain. Virgin StartUp is also a great community where, for a low monthly fee, you can access a range of amazing founders and advisors (I am an Advisor on there!)
Get the foundations in place, I don’t mean the branding, but the agreements and insurance. These are crucial and so many are then caught out.
When it comes to working through your own marketing, think of who it is you are talking to. What is the real issue they are needing to sort? We don’t buy a product, we buy a solution. What is it that your product or service are doing, and market that.
What is the best thing about being in Maddy Alexander-Grout’s Invisible to Influential membership?
Maddy has created a really friendly group where I am not scared to ask questions and always learn from others!
Have there been any recent wins that you would like to tell us about?
Recently we won Gold at the SME Awards for Best Enterprising Business in Hertfordshire, and I also won Southern England, National Businesswoman of the Year award at the NBWA Awards.
Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to tell us about?
It’s been a great year and we are now just launching a new service to help people who are awarded Access to Work grants, to find the support they need. When I was searching I found it overwhelming in the Facebook groups to ask for recommendations, and couldn’t find a directory of businesses who offered the support I needed… so, I created one! We are launching at the moment and have big plans for the new year!
Which activities do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
I have a 4-year-old, so most of my leisure activities involve tractors, diggers and crafts! When I get a chance, I enjoy anything that gets us out and doing something creative!
Lydia Berman, lydia@creativestripes.co.uk
www.creativestripes.co.uk / www.mappercards.com / www.supporthubdirectory.com