Two thriving entrepreneurs, who have launched successful businesses after taking part in an “invaluable” Northampton incubation programme, have praised the experience on World Entrepreneur Day (21st August) as “the push to take the leap”.
Olivia Krawczyk and Chelsea Henry were both part of Vulcan Creatives, a free six-month initiative at town centre workspace Vulcan Works, which supports ambitious individuals to develop their businesses through dedicated workshops and business support activities to learn the skills needed to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.
Graphic designer Olivia, whose company OneKind Creative specialises in design for charities and purpose led organisations, has won two prestigious awards since leaving the course – the Start Up for Good award in the Midlands region of the UK StartUp Awards last year, which recognises businesses making a positive impact in the world, and Creative Startup of the Year 2026 for the Midlands.
Olivia, who was in the second cohort of the programme, said: “Vulcan Creatives has massively helped my business, as it essentially gave me the dedicated space and time to sit and think about my business properly. It also gave me access to a business mentor, Darren Smith, who was on hand to answer any questions I had, talk through any concerns or just listen to my ideas.
“I think when you’re starting a business, just having someone to talk things through is so valuable. It gave me the push to take that leap and take that shot, whilst also giving me the accountability to actually do it. Knowing that I had that six-month period to start and grow a business whilst having that support around me was really valuable.”
Olivia was also recently selected to attend the Global Youth Summit in South Africa, the only delegate selected from the UK and is about to help launch another crucial campaign in California.
“I’m now working with clients internationally in South Africa, the USA and Ghana, so the business has definitely grown quite a lot,” she said. “But everything I’ve done, from the awards I’ve won to the clients I’m working with, is really aligned to my mission of using design to make a difference, which is something that my time at Vulcan Creatives really helped me hone in on.
“Vulcan Creatives actually gives you the push you need to think okay, I’m going to start this now, whilst having the support around you. Initially, knowing where to start and knowing what to do is really, really tricky. Having someone like Darren to ask – whether it’s how to do your taxes as a self-employed person, starting a website or other things that I just didn’t really know – is invaluable.”
Interior designer Chelsea said that without Vulcan Creatives, she would still be planning to start her business, Knook Interiors, rather than running it. She said: “I couldn’t recommend Vulcan Creatives more to other entrepreneurs. The support is unmatched and on a personal level, I’ve grown so much from the programme. I’ve become more confident, learned to take risks and let go of perfectionism.
“The Vulcan Creatives programme helped my business in so many ways, including some I didn’t even realise I needed. I started with nothing but an idea and zero business experience, and the programme gave me the skills, confidence and foundations to actually get things off the ground.
“They connected us with the right people to learn from; business lawyers, the council, grant schemes, as well as the right people for opportunities and collaborations. Darren has a real gift for explaining things in plain terms, solving problems and giving you exactly the reassurance you need as a business owner. And just having a group of other local entrepreneurs and creatives to share ideas with is a gamechanger in itself.”
When Chelsea left the first cohort of the Vulcan Creatives programme, she was focused on solely offering interior design consultations to her clients. Since then, the business has grown to include full installation services as well as guidance and advice, as well as stretching the client demographic to more B2B clients, serviced accommodation and Airbnb properties – different to the homeowner-focused model Chelsea had originally planned for.
She said: “This year I landed my first big client designing their new five-bedroom home from start to finish! Seeing the outcome and how thrilled the clients were with it, was a real “this is it” moment for me. It felt like everything I’d hoped this business could be, was finally happening.”
Vulcan Creatives has recently seen its third cohort graduate from Vulcan Works, which is home to numerous small businesses and is a big advocate for SMEs, providing invaluable business support alongside office space.
Vulcan Works business growth manager Darren Smith, who leads the Vulcan Creatives programme said: “World Entrepreneur Day is the perfect time to reflect upon how far our Vulcan Creatives entrepreneurs have come. Their achievements are nothing short of incredible and I am immensely proud, both of all the individuals who have taken part so far, and also of the small but vital part Vulcan Creatives has played in their story.
“The programme is a joy to be a part of, and the last three years have seen some wonderful businesses establish and thrive at Vulcan Works. Our business community is unrivalled in Northamptonshire, and we hope to see many more fledgling entrepreneurs fly our nest in future.”
To find out more about Vulcan Works or request a show around, email info@vulcanworks.co.uk or visit vulcanworks.co.uk.
