Create a solution

“You don’t need a hair-brained idea or something that’s never been done before,” says Burton. “To start a successful business, you just need to find a solution to a problem. Whether it’s thinking of something that solves an inconvenience for people, or increases accessibility or inclusivity, these new takes are enough to get people interested.”

Lean on your network

“Although I come from a creative background, I had no idea how to design a Christmas decoration when we were starting out,” says Duvall. “So, we found a manufacturer who could bring our vision – to create Christmas decoration figures of Black angels and Father Christmases – to life. We could never have done it all by ourselves. Similarly, having Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones on board has helped take our business to the next level.”

Don’t be afraid to teach yourself

“There have been so many moments since we started March Muses where we’ve had to teach ourselves new skills,” says Burton. Duvall agrees: “Mostly, I’ve learned that there’s an app for everything! We’ve just signed a deal to be stocked in Tesco and, when we got the contract through, it was an overwhelming 33 pages. We got through it by asking the internet (and our mentors) for support.”

How to launch a new business, according to March Muses founders Natalie Duvall and Alison Burton