A former Britain’s Got Talent star from Co Tyrone is celebrating a year of opening up his dream business in Beragh.
Ryan Tracey turned his passion for creating memories for children by making balloon animals into a successful indoor soft play area, known as Duff Land.
Ryan Tracey launched Duff Land last year after years of enjoying the laughter of kids and gaining experience as a children’s entertainer and he always considered owning his own business.
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Ryan explains: “The decision to start my own business was based on the fact that I needed to make a choice in my life, whether I was ever going to take a leap of faith to own a business and do something that I knew I would love and that the world needed. That gave me the motivation to do it.
“When I launched Duff Land, I felt immensely proud. I was so grateful that I was able to do it with the support of my wife and family.
"Since starting this journey, I have become very excited about the future and the potential for what we can do, as we provide entertainment to hundreds of kids every week.
“Owning my own business feels like the shackles are off. It is freedom and autonomy. You have the ability to make your own decisions and implement your own ideas, some of them will work and some of them won’t. But at least you get a chance to try them.”
Ryan was able to set up Duff Land with help from the Go For It programme in association with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: "I am delighted to see new business start-ups like Duff Land receiving the support they need from the Go For It programme.
“I know Ryan personally and have visited his place which is a real mecca for children’s parties and entertainment.
“The Council is committed to ensuring that our economy is thriving, expanding and outward looking. Entrepreneurs like Ryan are at the core of helping us to achieve this goal.
“I wish Ryan all the best in growing and developing his business. Already, it is a very successful visitor attraction on its own right.”
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