Former primary school teacher, Sue Johnson from Washington, discovered a new hobby and new inspiration that she was able to turn into a successful business with help from Jobcentre Plus.

Sue, 51, had studied hard for her career but had to take early retirement due to ill health in 1997.  She found an interest in dolls house miniatures and without any help designed a dolls house that was 7 feet 6 inches high and reached the ceiling in her dining room.

Directed to Broker North East after asking for advice on making her new found hobby a business, Sue made an appointment with consultant Michael Collins.  Broker North East is a part of the Jobcentre Plus network and helps people with health problems or disabilities get back into work.

Broker North East was very interested in taking forward Sue’s ideas and gave her support, encouragement and financial help.  In November 2003 ‘Sue Jo’s Enchanted Cottage’ was created.  She said:

“I couldn’t just do nothing after leaving work and I love to dress the dolls.  It’s the nicest thing, I can just sit and do my job with no pressure.”

As well as selling materials and instructions for creating the miniature designs she has on her website, Sue also writes regularly for three magazines and was asked by one of the magazines to write a book.   “The Dolls House Wedding Book” was published earlier this year, with Sue attending book signings around the country, including one in Leeds that completely sold out! 

With clients from as far as France and America, the business is going from strength to strength.   Sue’s book was also in Amazon’s top 5 best selling Dolls House publications and is selling fast in the USA, Canada and Europe.  She said:

“It’s amazing how things have continued since I designed the doll house.  I’m fully booked for six months for dressing the dolls.  I appreciate the help I received from Broker North East.”

People on incapacity benefits or long-term sickness benefit can find out more about the support on offer to help them get back to work, by calling Broker North East on 0800 389 7036.