Turning her love of cooking into a business nourished Jane’s mental health…

Mother of one and NHS mental health practitioner, Jane Hobin, had loved baking from childhood. Her nan would teach her how to bake using cost-effective, low-waste recipes during weekends and school holidays, which Jane says probably ignited her passion for baking and feeding others.

In September 2021, Jane decided to turn her passion into a career. With the help of The Women’s Organisation, she officially launched Jane’s Jams LTD, an ethical food business specialising in organic seasonal jams, soups, and condiments. Jane opts to use only compostable and recyclable packaging and takes pride in being plastic free.

After trialling her products with friends and family at her home in Southport, she took to social media to post positive feedback she’d received. She slowly gained a following and within just eight weeks, she had her own start-up business. Since then, she has attended pop up markets and local businesses are keen to supply her products. She is now in the process of developing a small caravan to attend events and food fayres.

How did The Women’s Organisation help?

After friends of Jane recommended the help of The Women’s Organisation, she contacted us and was enrolled onto the Enterprise Hub programme. This has been supported by 1-2-1 mentoring from one of our experienced business advisors.

“The support I got from the Women’s Organisation was extremely helpful.  Not just in a signposting sense, but in terms of reassurance as a young business – a reassurance that you need.  I’ve received good, positive feedback and their knowledge has helped me so much.  Their support gave me much-needed objectivity during the developmental phase of my business too.

“I would definitely encourage anybody with an idea get in touch with The Women’s Organisation as they are a great sounding board and can help you be objective when developing your business plan.”

Jane says that setting up her business along with the support from Enterprise Hub has greatly improved her mental health, confidence, and life prospects. Jane says she believes turning her passion into a business and becoming her own boss ‘nourished her mental health’.

Janes Jams deliver within a 10-mile radius using a hybrid vehicle and can post UK-wide, and all packaging is plastic-free, eco-friendly, compostable, reusable and recyclable. Follow @janes_jams_2022 on IG for more information.

If you would like to make an enquiry for our business start up support, you can email hello@thewo.org.uk or ring us on 0151 706 8113