Ed Flanagan – Edmond Flanagan & Co C.I.C

How did the idea come to you?

The idea for my business grew out of my own struggle and recovery. As I worked on my own sobriety, I realised that art was a powerful tool for healing. During my time in prison, I had discovered a love for drawing and music. These creative outlets gave me a sense of purpose and direction when everything else in my life seemed hopeless. I began to think about how many others in the system were just like me— lost, angry, addicted, and in need of a way out. I wanted to use my experience and skills to help them find a path to recovery, just as I had. That’s when the idea of using art as a means of rehabilitation took root. I knew I could connect with people who felt forgotten, and by sharing my story and creativity, I could inspire change. How did your lived experience inform your future plans, and what was the turning point? My lived experience has been the foundation of everything I do. I was one of nine children, raised by a single mother after my father left. Life was tough—crowded housing, little money, and the constant challenge of survival. When I was 10, I was abused by an adult, a trauma that fuelled my anger and pushed me into a life of crime. By 16, I was in prison for the first time. Dyslexia, undiagnosed during my school years, only added to my struggles, and by 14, I was already deep into alcohol and drugs. My education had stopped, and my life was on a destructive path. The turning point came when I realised that my addictions were not just hurting me but also the people I loved. I remember a moment when I was supposed to meet my daughter at a train station. I was intoxicated, and she took one look at me and got back on the train without saying a word. That moment shattered me. I knew I had to change, not just for myself, but for her. I sought help and started working the 12-step program. Slowly, I began to rebuild my life, and with each step I took, the idea of helping others through their recovery became clearer. My past, filled with mistakes and regrets, became the experience that would guide my future.

How did you utilise your entrepreneurial talent?

My entrepreneurial journey began when I realised that the very things that had once destroyed me could become the tools for my success. Art had been my salvation during my darkest days, and I knew it could be a lifeline for others too. I started small, doing outreach work in my spare time while running a cleaning business to pay the bills. But as my confidence grew, so did my ambition. I decided to focus on working within prisons and probation services, delivering rehabilitation and recovery courses based on creativity. My business isn’t just about making a living; it’s about making a difference. I use digital art, music, and storytelling to engage prisoners in a way that traditional methods often fail to do. I’ve turned my own experiences into lessons that resonate because they’re real. I’ve been where they are, and I understand the hopelessness they feel. That connection is what makes my work effective. My entrepreneurial talent lies in my ability to transform pain into purpose, using creativity as a vehicle for change.

What was a major obstacle and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I faced was overcoming my own self-doubt. After spending so many years in prison, being told I was worthless, and struggling with addiction, it was hard to believe that I could create something meaningful. The world outside had changed while I was inside, and I wasn’t sure if I could keep up. But I knew I had to try. I focused on learning new skills, particularly in digital art and content creation, as my physical health began to deteriorate. Holding a pencil became impossible, so I taught myself to create on a computer. When I could no longer play lead guitar, I switched to bass. Every challenge became an opportunity to adapt and grow. Another major obstacle was the stigma that comes with being an ex-convict. People don’t always see the person behind the criminal record. But I learned to use that stigma to my advantage. My story isn’t pretty, but it’s powerful. By owning my past and showing how I’ve transformed it into something positive, I’ve been able to break through the barriers that society puts up for people like me.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my sobriety and the fact that I’ve turned my life around in a way that not only benefits me but also helps others. Every time I walk into a prison to deliver a course or speak to a group of inmates, I feel a deep sense of pride. I know that I’m giving them something that I didn’t have for many years—hope. My work has given me a sense of purpose that I never thought I’d find. I’m proud that I’ve been able to take the worst parts of my life and use them to build something good. I’m also proud of the connections I’ve made with people who are still struggling. Whether it’s through my art, my music, or my words, I’m reaching people in a way that matters. I see the impact I’m making, and it reminds me every day why I do what I do.

What one piece of advice would you give others?

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone, especially those who are in prison or struggling with addiction, it would be this: Find your own path to rehabilitation despite the system, not because of it. The system won’t always give you what you need, and it may even work against you. But you have the power to change your life. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even if it’s just one person. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your past doesn’t define your future, and with determination and support, you can build a life you’re proud of.

“I’m proud to say that my sobriety is my priority. “

If you want to know more about their services, then check out this website using the link below.

EDMOND FLANAGAN & CO C.I.C