30 Under 30 previous winners: ‘It helped me get my name out there’

Jade Boylan was named one of the previous #Gef30Under30 in 2018 in recognition of her successful creative eCommerce business Candy Doll Club.

We caught up with her about the positive impact being named one of the island’s 30 Under 30 had on her business, shifting her international client base closer to home for the first time.

Gef: How have you grown since you were named one of the winners in 2018?

Jade Boylan: I think for the first time in my career I started to get more work from local commissions than international.

At that time I was barely known on the island but had customers and clients all over the world.

Being one of the 30 Under 30 winners really helped me get my name out there locally.

Since then i’ve been lucky enough to work with so many brilliant Manx clients including: Extra Fancy, IOM Creamery, Gelatory, Isle of Pride, Manx National Heritage, Castletown Commissioners, the Steam Packet and Hospice IOM.

I also joined the Isle of Man Arts Council as their youngest member, I chair the VisLit panel for the council and I also sit on the Film panel.

Gef: What advice would you give to young Entrepreneurs who are just getting started in their careers?

Jade Boylan: Keep going, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, remember that collaboration can lead to opportunity and if you’re working for yourself, and be prepared to work harder than you would in a regular job.

Take time to find what works for you, not everyone is cut out for a 9-5 job and that’s not a bad thing.

Everyone is different, some people are up at 5am everyday and whizz through their tasks, others can’t even function in the morning, find a routine that works for you and crack on.

Gef: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about nominating themselves for 30 Under 30?

Jade Boylan: Go for it! You’ll probably know already whether you’re an ideal candidate for this or not, and it’s a great thing to be a part of so I encourage you to have a go.

I know some people find it tricky to believe in themselves or celebrate their achievements, so if you’re not sure you can ask your friends and family to nominate you instead (if they haven’t already.)

Nominations for our new list of young leaders closes on April 6 and only thirty names will make the final cut. Nominate a friend, colleague, or even yourself at 30Under30.im.