From Homeless to Business Owner: Brianna’s Incredible Journey with Genuine Futures
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Facing Homelessness and Uncertainty
Not long ago, Brianna was facing one of the hardest challenges a young person can endure: homelessness. Without a safe place to call home, her future felt uncertain. Like so many young people who fall through the cracks of the system, she risked becoming invisible.
But what Brianna did have was a passion for baking — and a determination to make something of herself if only given the chance.
Finding Support at Genuine Futures
That chance came when Brianna connected with Genuine Futures CIC through the Boss Your Future Bolton programme, funded by the Bolton Fund and delivered in partnership with Entrepreneurs Unlocked, Recycle IT, and The Scrappers.
Through business support, mentoring, enterprise workshops, and hands-on experience at the Young Futures Hub, Brianna began to rebuild her confidence. Surrounded by people who believed in her, she was encouraged to see her passion for baking not just as a hobby, but as the foundation of a business idea.
Brianna explained:
“Genuine Futures has really helped me and given me the confidence. When I started with Genuine Futures in around August or July, I had no idea what business I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to start a business and I didn’t want to work a 9–5. From being at Genuine Futures, I realised I wanted to start a cheesecake business because I really love cheesecake. Since then, we’ve been slowly building up the progress and tackling every obstacle bit by bit. Now we’re currently in a hub in a business park we’ve just set up — we have We Shine Any Car as our cover business, and then my business is part of it. So now at We Shine Any Car, you can get your car washed, community, conversation, and a cheesecake — all for the cost of a car wash.”
Turning Passion into a Business
With the support of Genuine Futures mentors, Brianna began shaping her love for baking into BloomiesBaked, a micro-business specialising in cheesecakes. At community events, her creations quickly became a hit. From classic flavours to creative Kinder specials, Brianna showed she had not only the talent but also the entrepreneurial drive to succeed.
As she puts it:
“It’s been great – I sold a lot of my cheesecakes. It’s been fabulous, I’ve loved it.”
What started as an idea is now moving into the planning and test-marketing stage — giving Brianna the confidence and experience to explore how her passion could grow into a sustainable youth-led business.
The Role of the Young Futures Hub
The Young Futures Hub is more than just a building. It’s a safe, comfortable, and relaxed space where young people are welcomed without judgment. It offers hope, trust, and opportunity, giving every participant the chance to discover their talents and unlock their future.
This is what youth-led enterprise looks like in action — a car wash, a cheesecake business, an art space, and a community hub — all designed to show that when you invest in young people, they shine.
Voices of Leadership
Sam Smith, Co-Founder of Genuine Futures, shared:
“For me, this is personal. I know what it feels like to be written off. That’s why the Young Futures Hub exists — it’s about creating a place where young people feel safe, supported, and seen. Brianna’s journey is proof that when you give young people belief, they can achieve anything.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Founder of Genuine Futures, added:
“The hub is more than an enterprise space. It’s a lifeline. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and belonging. We’re proud of Brianna and proud of all the young people who are showing what’s possible through youth-led enterprise.”
David Morgan, Founder of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said:
“As a delivery partner on the Boss Your Future programme, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of this work. This isn’t just enterprise — it’s enterprise with purpose. Genuine Futures has created a platform where young people don’t just learn business skills; they discover self-belief. That stays with them for life.”
We See Talent Everywhere
Brianna’s transformation is inspiring, but she is not alone. Every week, Genuine Futures meets young people with enormous potential who lack the opportunities to showcase it.
We see talent everywhere — but opportunity is not. That’s why we exist: to bridge the gap and make sure no young person is left behind.
Why Stories Like Brianna’s Matter
Brianna’s journey shows what happens when young people are not written off, but lifted up:
- From homelessness to hope.
- From uncertainty to entrepreneurship.
- From being overlooked to being celebrated.
At Genuine Futures, we know there are many more young people like Brianna — with untapped potential, waiting for someone to believe in them.
How You Can Support
Brianna’s story is inspiring, but it’s also a reminder that we need community support to continue creating opportunities for young people across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
- Learn more about Genuine Futures: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
- Support our youth-led enterprises: We Shine Any Car – Fundraising Campaign
Together, we can turn more stories of homelessness into hope, and more passions into thriving businesses.
Final Thoughts
From homelessness to aspiring business owner, Brianna has shown what resilience looks like when matched with the right support. Her cheesecakes are more than just desserts — they are symbols of determination, transformation, and possibility.
And for every Brianna, there are many more young people ready to shine. Because when young people shine, our communities shine too.
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