Hannah Searle's story
Picture of crunch software on mobile

Professional Bio Templates & Examples

Create a compelling professional narrative for a proper, attention-grabbing introduction.
Website bios
Speaker intros
Professional Profile

Having a clear plan and building a funnel of potential clients are key to Hannah Searle’s approach to making her Interior Designer business a success. Hannah is a member of Crunch Chorus – our free and supportive community for the self-employed. Joining unlocks access to free resources, including downloadable PDF guides, to help you start, run and grow your business.

Tell us about your business!

In 2020 during lockdown I launched the Sussex Home Stylist, based in West Sussex. I offer both online and in-person design packages. I’ve always loved interior design and making ‘home’ but always struggled with the amount it costs to hire an interior designer. I don’t see why having a beautiful home should cost the earth, so I set up a company that goes about design in a very different way.

It’s all about using what you already have, repurposing things you can’t afford to change and creating not a blanket plain space, but a home bursting with personality that reflects the people living there. Because I work online, I’m able to offer my services anywhere. My Home Style Reports start from just £189 and offer my clients design ideas focusing on style, colour, layout and accessories. I also offer a more in-depth service offering shopping lists to take the pain out of pulling a scheme together, right up to a full on build and project management service.

What prompted you to go self-employed?

I had a successful 20-year career in marketing based in London before I had my babies. I had always wanted to take some time with them while they were little, which I did while retraining in Interior Design. When my little boy started school I worked for a designer for a while, but COVID-19 arrived and it seemed like the perfect time to make a natural progression.

What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome when starting out?

My biggest challenge was COVID-19. I was ready to launch and just before we went into lockdown I suffered from COVID-19 myself. As soon as I recovered, I knew that everyone was starting home lockdown DIY projects and I didn’t want to miss the boat.

What do you like most about working for yourself? And what do you dislike?

The thing I love most about working for myself is the same thing I dislike most; there’s no one to bail me out, it’s all on my head. That means that I’m hugely motivated to get it right, I work really hard to make sure I do and I get to make decisions without having to run them past anyone. At the same time though, when you’re up against it, that can be quite stressful. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I love what I do and I’m hugely grateful that I get to do it every day.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when starting up?

At this stage no, but give me a year and ask me again!

What would be your top tip to anyone thinking about going self-employed?

Plan, plan and plan! Have a clear idea in your head of exactly what you want to do. So much happens at the beginning to make you lose your confidence and change your mind that you need to be dead set on what you’re doing. Don’t veer off course to start with, but be prepared to change the route slightly if you need to.

What’s your biggest success story from your time being self-employed?

My biggest success story will always be my first project. A friend trusted me to do their living room. It was the first job I’d done for someone else and the first time I properly saw my ideas formally come to life. It gave me the confidence to really go for it and I’ll always be so grateful for that.

Do you have any pro tips on how to find new clients?

As someone with a background in marketing, building a funnel of potential clients is very familiar to me. At the moment, for me, it’s all about building my social network, but what I would say is don’t dismiss the old favourites. In local neighbourhoods, a card in a window or a mail drop can go a long way.

What did you consider when calculating your rates?

I did a lot of analysis of the competition and some market research on people I knew in my target market. I then adjusted my rates while I built up my customer base. I’m confident at the moment that my rates are where they need to be but I’ll always revisit them quarterly to make sure they’re right.

Do you work from home or in a coworking space? How do you find that work environment?

I work from home. We’re lucky enough to have a home office space and I love it. No interruptions and enough room to spread out. Eventually I’d love my own studio but that’s a way down the track yet.

How did you find the transition to self-employment?

For me it was a positive one as I’d come from being a full-time Mum and was raring to go. The hardest thing about it is explaining to my young kids that I need to work sometimes but it’s just something they need to get used to. Do I prefer it to my previous work for a big corporate? Absolutely – I’d choose this any day. The work-life balance is so much better for me and I feel like I have so much more purpose not working for a big soulless corporate.

Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.
Self Assessment tax returns done for you, from just £200 £125+VAT
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting, with our simple online software, so you can look after your accounts anytime, anywhere.
Share this post
Tom West
Previous Community and Social Manager
Updated on
April 9, 2021

Knowledge Hubs

Take control of your accounts, today

Crunch’s effective software package includes being able to talk to an expert client manager and a Chartered Certified Accountant. You can count on Crunch to make you productive and profitable.

Save your seat! Live e-commerce webinar

Register and soak in the wisdom from top industry leader! June 27, 2024 1:30 PM
Dive into e-commerce basics
Expert industry insights
Practical tips and savvy tricks
Pro Tip
Work out the tax you owe in seconds

Discover your true take-home pay with our self-employed tax calculator – see exactly what you’ll keep after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much National Insurance you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your income in seconds with our free National Insurance calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much mileage you can claim for?

Our free mileage allowance calculator can help you see in seconds what you could get back.

Pro Tip
Want to work out your income tax?

Find out what Income Tax and National Insurance you owe on your earnings with our free tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to work out what your Capital Gains Tax bill?

Our free Capital Gains Tax calculator shows what tax you owe on any property, stocks or gifts.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much dividend tax you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your investments in seconds with our free dividend tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to see what we're currently working on?

Our public roadmap shows what we're working on and what's coming next. You can even vote on what features we work on next!

Pro Tip
Your ultimate guide to stress-free taxes

Tackling taxes can be tough! Get our "Ultimate tax guide for the self-employed" now to make it easier.

Pro Tip
Claim your FREE ecommerce guide today

Curious how great accounting can boost your e-commerce business? Download our guide to discover 8 key ways!

Pro Tip
Unlock the secrets of Ltd company expenses

Don't miss out on potential tax savings - get access to our 'Limited Company Expense' guide today!

Pro Tip
Want to make sure you don't miss any tips?

Sign up to our newsletter for expert insights, tax news and other essential updates that will keep your business thriving. Subscribe now!

Pro Tip
Ready to save big on Ecommerce accounting?

Crush your current accounting and software fees by up to 60%. Put us to the test and watch your savings soar!

Pro Tip
Looking for a dedicated accountant?

Our Enterprise packages offer tailored support for you and your business. You can focus on your business, we'll crunch the numbers.

Pro Tip
Boost your business finances with our Ltd Company packages!

Award-winning software with support from expert accountants

Pro Tip
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting

Real-time insights, expert support—stay on top of your finances with ease.

Pro Tip
Get £75 off your Self Assessment

Get your tax return sorted by experts for only £125+VAT!

Pro Tip
Using cloud-based accountancy software to manage your finances gives any small business a big advantage!

At Crunch we provide affordable cutting-edge, easy-to-use software with real human support from expert chartered accountants. That’s probably why 81% of our clients would recommend Crunch.

Pro Tip
Want access to real expert accountants?

All our accounting packages include free access to Chartered Certified Accountants, so you can make confident business decisions without worrying about extra costs racking up.

Pro Tip
Get £75 off your Tax Return!

Crunch’s Self Assessment service provides an expert accountant to complete, check, and file your Self Assessment for you for just £125 +VAT.

Pro Tip
Did you know - We have a free plan that is great for sole traders and limited companies?

Why not see for yourself? It’s simple and easy to use and 100% free.