Aspiring entrepreneurs should endeavour to make their passion their livelihood and consider setting the alarm an hour earlier.

So says, Danielle Owen-Jones, who has recently established her own PR company in Kirkby Lonsdale and is already building an impressive roster of clients.

Originally from Southport in Merseyside, Mrs Owen-Jones moved to Cumbria three years ago and believes that it should not be underestimated in favour of bigger cities.

Mrs Owen-Jones was speaking to in-Cumbria as part of our “10 minutes with” series.

So, who is Danielle Owen-Jones?

I run a PR agency called Bloomin’ Creative. I’m based in Kirkby Lonsdale and I work with clients across Lancashire and Cumbria.

I’m originally from Southport, but moved to Kirkby three years ago and have been in love with it ever since.

What is your role at Bloomin’ Creative? And what does that mean you do?

I help businesses in every aspect of PR support to manage their reputation and increase awareness of their brand.

I’ll think of creative ways to generate press coverage that will put them in front of the audience they want to reach, whether that’s through local press, national press, or specific media titles that are relevant to their industry.

I’ll work closely with them to make sure their key messages are being presented to the right people in the right way, and that their brand’s reputation is being managed properly and professionally.

What led you to set up your own firm?

My husband and I moved to Cumbria three years ago, which meant I had to leave my job at one of the UK’s top PR agencies.

After the move, I initially started out as a freelancer, taking on various PR consultancy projects.

Luckily, lots of happy clients and a growing demand for PR meant that a few months ago I was in the fortunate position to turn my freelance work into a PR agency set-up, hence the start of Bloomin’ Creative.

How have you found being your own boss?

I think anyone who is a freelancer or a small business owner will agree that being your own boss doesn’t come without its challenges.

But the benefits outweigh any difficulties by miles. Self-discipline and keeping perspective is absolutely vital.

Luckily when you’re your own boss it usually means that you’ve turned your passion into your career, so the motivation and enthusiasm tends to flow naturally.

Why Cumbria?

Initially it was a mixture of circumstance, moving to the area, and luck, working with a number of brilliant clients.

But now, I think anyone would agree that there’s a real creative spark in Cumbria, which is demonstrated by the number of innovative and exciting start-ups in the area.

Nobody should underestimate Cumbria, it certainly has the ambition and drive of big cities like Manchester and Liverpool, but it also offers a unique and lovely lifestyle. I feel very lucky to live and work here.

Advice for new startup business owners.

I truly believe that life is too short not to do what you love and if you’re passionate enough about something then you’ll make it work, despite any obstacles or challenges that might be in your way.

You might have to be patient and wait until the time is right, but it’ll be worth it if it’s something that you really, really want to do.

Roadblocks for new business owners

I think time, money and self-belief are the three main roadblocks when it comes to going it alone.

If starting your own business is your dream, then you will find a way of overcoming these obstacles, even if it means setting your alarm an hour earlier in the morning, or putting the money you’d usually spend on a takeaway coffee in your start-up fund.

Self-belief is something you have to consciously develop and you absolutely need to believe in yourself and your skills and abilities if you’re going to run your own business.