Dozens of people who have taken the bold step of setting up their own enterprises are now sharing with teenagers in Gwent just what life has been like for them.

As part of the Dynamo Project - run in Gwent for the WDA by Careers Wales Gwent - these "role models," from many different sectors are visiting schools to tell youngsters about the excitement and rewards of leading their own businesses.

Their accounts explain the tough challenges to be faced but also the deep sense of fulfillment at setting up something new and making it work.

One of those taking part is Gwent-based, Angela Gidden, a former Welsh Woman of the Year who has run her own highly successful interior design company for the past 10 years.

She said: "My role is to introduce career and life options to young people and to empower and encourage them to think about the diverse opportunities in the world of business and the freedoms of being your own boss.

"Creating and exploring the potential of something you love doing, have a passion for or simply have knowledge of, is one key to controlling your own destiny and future," she added.

Her message went down well with a class of 14 year olds at Abersychan Comprehensive School near Pontypool, where Angela spoke recently: Pupil Sarah Hardwick said afterwards: "I enjoyed hearing about Angela's life and why she decided to set up her own business. I would consider setting up my own business because it means that you have the freedom to make important decisions for yourself."

This was echoed by classmate, Rachael Mealing, who commented: "Angela spoke to us about her ideas, some of which have been successful and others unsuccessful. I have never considered the possibility of running my own business but after listening to Angela's talk I think it might be something I consider in the future."

Lauren Oram was also impressed. "I really like the idea of running my own business. I learnt a lot from Angela's presentation because she talked about her own real life business experiences."

Careers Wales Gwent Chief Executive, Trina Neilson, added: "This is a really successful project. It has been blowing the kid's minds and energising them to think that they might one day be able to do the same thing.

"This is important because there are many more opportunities for entrepreneurship these days, including many more contracted out services. These sessions help the young people to understand the potential," she added.