From Champions League Finalist to Moray Entrepreneur: A Journey from Boots to Books
Nicky Grant, a former professional football player with 99 appearances for Scotland, has transitioned from scoring goals in front of 75,000 fans to running a successful consultancy firm in Spey Bay, Moray, with her partner Stephanie Murray. The duo founded Phoenic’s Consultancy, a business driven by their passion for supporting and guiding others to success.
Building a Business on Life Experience and Values
Nicky Grant and Stephanie Murray share a common goal – to utilize their wealth of career and life experiences to create opportunities for others. Nicky’s journey began with a successful football career, leading her to transition into education and eventually establish Phoenic’s Consultancy. Stephanie, on the other hand, pivoted from the human rights field to the hospitality industry before joining Nicky in their consultancy venture. Their shared values of hard work, dedication, and social inclusion drive their business forward.
Support Systems and Growth
Both Nicky and Steph credit their families as pillars of support in their entrepreneurial journey. They have also leveraged strong local and national networks, as well as sought guidance from experienced business coaches and Steph’s father, an international business professional. The duo emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, learning from experiences, and supporting each other to drive personal and professional growth.
Future Ambitions and Challenges
Looking ahead, Nicky and Steph have ambitious goals. Nicky is exploring opportunities in politics while engaging in keynote speaking and coaching. Steph aims to create a social enterprise blending her expertise in hospitality and youth work. Despite challenges like rising costs and government bureaucracy, they remain focused on advocating for small businesses and creating a brighter future for young people.
Nicky and Steph’s journey from sports to entrepreneurship exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their community. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the importance of teamwork, support systems, and staying true to one’s values in the face of challenges.
