August Talk with Fiona Da Silva Adams

August is upon us, and it’s been hot! August is the month of holidays, summer fun and time off for many people. So how are small business owners coping with the month often known as ‘silly season’?
Today we’re talking to Fiona Da Silva-Adams who is founder & CEO of Revolution Performing Arts and RPA Rapport Community Interest Company, both are based in Wanborough, Wiltshire. Revolution Performing Arts & RPA Rapport work with young people aged four to 18 years using performing arts as a tool to celebrate uniqueness, empower individuality and build life skills of confidence and self-expression in a nurturing, gentle environment.

How is August looking in your business? Does this month hold any special significance in your business? Anniversary, milestone, accreditation, new premises? New staff?
Yes! We have new staff coming on board and also it is our anniversary.  10 years as a limited company and 15 years since we started as a little group, with 4 little ones wanting to share their imagination!  We are also running our HAF programme for over 600 user sessions in August!  We are very excited about everything that is happening this month!

What are your personal plans for this month? Can you give us a ‘tip’ for places to visit during this summer month?
We are going on holiday to the Maldives. It feels very indulgent but after losing our RPA Leader, Ellen, to Covid last year, we had a ‘life is too short’ moment and booked it. It is a momentous holiday as our son is off to Uni in September so we are capturing those memories while we still can.  My tip is hold to onto your babies for as long as you can and treasure the little things.

August 20 is World Photo Day – can you share a photo which means something to you this year so far?
I love this photo as it was taken at the O2 with my daughter and her bestie this year when we went to see Billie Eilish. I remember how emotional I felt, finally being back in an arena again watching live music! And the joy on my teens faces was priceless!

Did you know August 21 is World Entrepreneurs Day? What does this word mean to you and do you apply it to yourself?
For me it is all about being authentic and doing things for the greater good, your way.  Also being able to have idea upon idea and then being able to action it is really empowering.

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too? Who has gone the extra mile for you recently?
Samantha Jayne, is incredible. She is the most amazing life coach for myself, and my team and she has literally changed my life.  I will be forever grateful to her.

We are in a cost of living crisis at the moment? Is that impacting you at all in life or business? Do you have any money-saving tips you can share?
I am helping my son prepare for university living at the moment with teaching him how to prepare healthy meals on a budget.  Coming from a free school meals family we had to learn how to be inventive with what we had in the fridge.  I think I would quite enjoy the MasterChef inventiveness challenge.

Have you got any events planned for the autumn you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
Yes, we are running fabulous Holiday Fun Sessions (with funded places for anyone on free school meals).

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
Yes we will be holding our free open day in September again, with all funds raised going to Swindon Women’s Aid.  Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more details. https://www.facebook.com/RevolutionPerformingArts

And finally, August 16 is National Tell a Joke Day? Can you tell us a joke and raise a laugh?
The young people we work with tell the best jokes so Ill steal one of theirs as they are funnier than me!  “Why did the cow cross the road?  To go to the mooooooooooooooovies” ??????

For more information visit www.revolutionpa.co.uk