Junior Chamber International (JCI) UK is committed to raising awareness of young people doing amazing things in our businesses and communities. This blog series is to promote the achievements of our country’s young entrepreneurs and provide others with insights which will allow them to consider the potential of becoming young entrepreneurs for themselves.  

Please give a brief summary of you, your age, your business name and what it does

My name is Makaela Richardson, I’m 21 and Founder of freethefresher.com a subscription based service for university students whereby they pay a one-time fee of £50 and we give them everything they need for university!  

Question 1:     At what point did you decide that the life of an entrepreneur was the one for you? How did it come about?

I never thought I was going to be an entrepreneur. I just found myself in the position where I could have benefited from the type of service we provide - so I just decided to make it happen, and in the process helped thousands of other students.  

Question 2:     What has been your proudest moment? How did it make you feel?

My proudest moment to this day is when I got my very first sign up on April 10th 2016, just 4 days after I launched my website. It was then when I realised I had an actual business. I had honestly never been so excited and nervous at the same time.  

Question 3:     What has been your toughest challenge? What did you learn?

My toughest challenge was getting the word out about my business on a very limited budget. I learned a lot about perseverance and how hard it is to start a business.  

Question 4:     What is your vision for your business? Where do you want to be in the next 5 years?

Right now we hold 20% of the university student market in the UK after one year, and we want grow to 80% in the next few years. Then we want to take FreetheFresher.com global!  

Question 5:     What advice would you give to other budding young entrepreneurs?

I would say to just go for it! If you have and idea; do your research, put in the hard work and make it happen. Had I not been ballsy and followed my gut, I would not be in the position I’m in today.  

And, finally, tell us a little bit about yourself

Favourite book: Outliners Favourite film: The Hundred-foot journey, Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin, (anything Disney... it’s sad, I know) Favourite song/band: Anything Beyoncé or Chance The Rapper Favourite Person: My Mom, Dad and two best friends; Honey and Paige Favourite Quote: “Drink some coffee, put on some gagster-rap and handle it”   If you would like to be featured in our Startup #ShoutOut for Young Entrepreneurs then please send your answers to the above questions to Philip Cockayne, Commercial Director at JCI UK via phil.cockayne@jciuk.org.uk.