New start on the cards as Joanne fights back

Dec 1 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN artist struck with two debilitating conditions that made her unable to leave her house has set up a business from home.

Joanne Lawson, a gifted painter and sculptor, refused to give in to illness after she was diagnosed with ME and the sleeping sickness narcolepsy, which meant she was unable to work as normal.

The former art and design teacher scanned images of some of her work on to her computer to create greetings cards. She is now selling the designs at Anannaimage.com, her online enterprise based at her home in Durham’s Langley Park.

“Having my own online business is the perfect opportunity for me to continue working and explore my passion for art, without my illnesses stopping me from getting on with my life,” said Ms Lawson, daughter of sculptor Fenwick Lawson, whose work includes Durham’s new sculpture The Journey, The Pieta in Durham Cathedral and Cuthbert of Farne on Holy Island.

“My designs are inspired by mythology and the classics, they reflect what women experience every day in the modern world. The cards provide uplifting messages for birthdays or simply show someone you are thinking of them.”

She turned to Business Link for advice to turn her idea into a reality and received help in putting together a business plan, plus guidance on the technicalities of setting up a web-based enterprise.

She said: “Business Link also put me in touch with a web design company who I worked with to develop and implement an online ordering system. They also provided me with content management and legal support.”

Adviser Sarah Travis said online selling is a cost-effective method for small businesses to reach a mass market.

She said: “Joanne is an inspiration to anyone who is unable to get to work due to ill health and really endorses the benefits of starting your own business from home.

“Joanne’s designs are both unique and inspirational and it has been great to work with such a determined individual.”