Autumn Talk with Danielle Holmes of Black Nova Designs

We’ve hit the final quarter of 2022 and with so much happening for small businesses, we wanted to check in with them and see what’s happening in their world!

Today we’re talking to Danielle Holmes who runs Black Nova Designs which is an IT solutions business based in Calne, Wiltshire. They provide a plethora of services from website design to PC and Mac repairs.

What’s coming up for your business/organisation in Q4?
Q4 is usually one of our busiest times and we hope this year will be the same. That being said, we have an amazing Christmas event coming up where locals and businesses are able to visit the office and meet our team and put a face to a name. This invite is open to past, present, and future clients as well as other businesses owners to visit us and find out more about what we offer. The day will be hosted by both my husband, Kyle, and I. We cannot wait to welcome everyone with goody bags and prosecco (adults only) and meet new people. When we first opened the Calne office, we hosted an open day and it was incredibly successful, so I hope to do the same, but better, this year!

This is a month for harvest and Halloween. Are either of these important for you in your business or organisation?
Other than some festive fun with food and drink in the office, October isn’t overly important for us as a business. We will however be building up the excitement for our Christmas events so cannot wait to get the ball rolling on that.

October represents several awareness months, please say if any are relevant to you or your business or organisation?
As a business, having a ‘giving back’ attitude has been a huge focus this year. We have spent best part of the year raising funds for RNLI and Wiltshire Mind charities, both of which play huge roles within our community. The team have completed two fantastic challenges that were streamed and posted on our social media profiles in an attempt to bring further awareness to these incredible charities. Following the busy schedule of completing events and raising money, we didn’t want to stop! So, to continue the efforts we felt it would be best to include a mandatory charity donation for anyone who chooses to attend our Build a PC days. These days are created for children who have a fascination with tech and want to get a head start! Being that Kyle found comfort in technology as a coping mechanism while suffering with mental health, we wanted to dedicate the days to Wiltshire Mind. If you or anyone you know are interested in our Build a PC days, there are still tickets available (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/build-a-pc-day-tickets-379576422297). Space is limited so book now and help us to raise as much money possible for Wiltshire Mind. There will also be a chance to donate to both charities during our Christmas events coming up on the 3rd December.

Did you know October 10 is World Mental Health Day – how important is this subject in your business and in your life?
We have all been affected by mental health these last few years, I myself have been affected despite being regarded as the most positive person in the room. I have suffered with not being ok, hiding behind a smile and diving into work to avoid facing my mind.

However, recently I have learned that to be a good leader for both the business and my team, I need to face my demons. Choosing to act hasn’t been easy but with the fantastic help from Psychic medium, Samantha Jayne, (www.samantha-jayne.co.uk) and continued mindset work with Tara Punter Coaching, I have overcome so much.

Kyle and I continue to work on improving ourselves mentally and physically to provide the best basis for our team and support growth in the business.

What practical activities do you participate in at home or at work to protect your mental health and that of your staff?
I trained with Kyle during the start of his 3 peaks challenge and often walk miles with the dogs that I take care of for my other business, Holmes for Paws. Walking allows me to process my thoughts while enjoying the company of my furry companions. I go to the gym once a week, training with my amazing PT but overall, I aim to switch off from work by spending time with the children and putting on a good movie or Netflix series! 

Clocks go back this month – an extra hour in bed? How do you feel about the darker nights etc?
If I am totally honest, I hate the dark nights and my only love for this time of year is Christmas and the festivities that come with it. I am a huge lover of the summer and sunlight so will be looking forward to May returning along with the heat.

Have you got any other news you’d you’d like to shout about?
As I’ve mentioned above, we have some really exciting Christmas Events coming up that I would love to share. There are two events happening on the 3rd December, the first is a festive fuelled open day where all are welcome to visit the office and take home a goody bag filled with treats and gadgets. And our second event will be hosted in the evening and available to all business owners and sole traders who want to celebrate the festive period in a sociable setting with food, drink, and music. We have so many clients and business friends who don’t celebrate Christmas as a business because they work alone. So, our business owners Christmas party event is dedicated to all who don’t want to miss out this Christmas. To book for FREE, follow the link to our Eventbrite page.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-owner-christmas-party-tickets-415885132627

And finally, tell us one thing you love about the autumn/winter months? 
Skiing holidays with the family and the homecooked food! I’m aware this will contradict my love for summer but I’m sure we can all agree that nothing beats the snow and warm food/drink!

To view the range of services we offer click here.