Deciding to start your own business is so exciting but it’s easy to get carried away. I can come up with new ideas weekly and can be bouncing around unable to sleep for days whilst I run scenarios around my head checking if it is, in fact, a good idea. It is so easy to get carried away and convince yourself that of course, your business will work but you have to be sure that you can afford it, not only if it all goes perfectly but what if things don't establish as quickly as you thought or your business needs more of your time than you are able to give?

I am a hugely optimistic, I know my ability to make my businesses successful but you need to be realistic and weigh the risks up. There are obvious financial risks but what about you? Your time and your health are also at risk are you prepared?

Don't let the worries put you off though - don't lose your excitement, your drive or your confidence, owning your own business is definitely worth it - you just need to make sure you have planned it properly and that you have good support in place.

Doing it for yourself, you can let your doubts and uncertainties niggle you - but having a mentor, support with you to make you consider every detail without getting carried away in the excitement is a must.

I'm very lucky that now after 20 years of creating and running my own venues I have an exceptionally supportive network and have found myself a mentor who knows the industry and knows me, someone I trust and like - they are there to share my concerns, help me work through questions and enable me to creatively problem-solve. I also use my family and friends to bounce ideas but ultimately the decisions rest with me and I'm very fortunate to have the experiences I've had, I know the pitfalls and the mistakes I and others have made.

No matter how many times I create a new venue or transform a business, there is a thrill.

You are taking an idea that exists only in your head and making it a reality - if it was easy everyone would be doing it!