Vix Southgate

"I think the personality types (Coordinator, Explorer, Trainer) are pretty close to who I am, but I would likely have answered differently depending on what job I am doing at the time, as I can work in many different ways. I am an entrepreneur, which is a great job to have if you want variety in what you do. I have been self-employed all my working life, but I have had temporary jobs too, which have provided me with different skills and access to new experiences. Self-employment is hard work, but amazingly rewarding. I decided to be my own boss, because the job I wanted didn't exist - so I created it. For me, life and work is about experiences that help me grow as a person and enable me to help others be the best version of themselves too. "

"I work in the Space Industry, the Media Industry, the Publishing Industry, and the Construction/Timber Industry. In short, I introduce people to astronauts. I proof read space magazines and books, write and illustrate children's books, organise and facilitate events, and much more! I've designed webpages, logos, rebrandings, houses, interiors, TV sets, film production and theatre sets. I have also made high quality furniture."

"I currently work in the space industry and have astronauts and celebrities as friends and colleagues! How did I get here? ...I am self-employed!I began as a woodworker and restorer of stately houses, because that was what I trained in at university. I worked with the National Trust and English Heritage, and also found my own work in large private houses. I built a network of contacts in the timber and construction industry. However, because I was interested in period interiors, I also started working with TV production companies on soap-operas and other TV shows as a production designer. I painted the 'Woolpack' signs that are still seen on the Emmerdale credits today! This link between two industries was possible because I was self-employed, I could combine and diversify and choose which work I wanted to do. The TV work took up more time and I started working in theatres and on movie sets. I still work in this field if a job comes along.Becoming a mum and having a major operation changed how I could work, but because I was self-employed, I was able to change my working hours and find a way to earn money and raise a child in a way that suited me. I started writing children's books, because my daughter inspired me to create a type of book that didn't exist at that time (they do now). It was not a money-earner, but it raised my profile and propelled me into the space industry. I wanted to see how I could be a part of this industry, so I volunteered for a space society and through attending events on their stands, I was able to meet people (networking) that could help me find out what I could do, and what the space industry needed. I used my skillset to create a job I could do, within this industry. I have won awards for what I have achieved. I do not even have a degree, my education was vocational not academic, but I have achieved so much, because I have had the drive to want to experience whatever I could.All through life I have believed I can achieve what I want - if I want it badly enough! If you go into something half-heartedly, you are unlikely to get much back. BUT If you go in with passion and determination - you will succeed! Remember that: Anything is possible! It's not always easy, but it is usually possible! :D"

"Spare time is in short supply when you are self-employed, but the upside to that is, that work doesn't feel like work when you are doing what you enjoy. :)I have a dog and so enjoy walking and nature. I can ride a motorbike and I was a finalist in the Formula Woman racing car competition, many many years ago. but for the most part, my spare time is spent relaxing, or meeting friends. I much prefer to meet one friend at a time, but when I am at events I enjoy talking to many people (but rarely in big groups). I have learned that although I can stand on stage and deliver a speech, I am actually an introvert and prefer one-on-one conversations and networking.Stagework and public speaking is a skill I have learned, but I need time alone to recharge. But regardless - I CAN do it, and I do it very well. "

"I don't have a typical day - each day is different. Most days include 'house-keeping' tasks including time on social media, answering emails, updating my financial accounts (for self-employment I have to do my own accounts for the tax man), and online meetings. The most important aspect of self-employment is getting jobs done, and planning the next event, work contract, or job and prioritising and scheduling your time. I spend a lot of time keeping in contact with my network of people and keeping an eye on industry news, to see if there are any opportunities that I can use to further my career, or perhaps change the course of my path."

"After GCSEs I studied a BTEC National Diploma (ND) in General Art and Design, and A-Level Art. I then went to De Montfort University, Lincoln to study a BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Historic Decorative Crafts. I was accepted unconditionally onto another vocational Furniture Restoration course in High Wycombe, but I decided to leave education and start my own business.I then did a short Business Management course, as well as an Adult Education Teaching course, so I could run courses. I did no other formal courses (just craft courses and upskilling) until recently. I am currently on an Adobe Illustrator course. "