In today's business profile Vicky LLoyd, the founder of Neday Craft shares with us her life as an entrepreneur and a mother.Vicky creates Neday Craft to encourage children to get creative and to be able to spend more time with her family. Another amazing story that we hope will inspire you.
1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
A typical day for me, is getting up around 7am and making sure my children are washed, dressed and in school for 9am. Because I work from home, I have to be disciplined and make sure my to –do list is started immediately. I normally reply to emails as they come in, as well as ensure all phone calls and tasks are taken care of. I may have a client meeting, a design project to complete or information to upload to my website. Every day is very different for me. I love a varied work schedule and life is never boring. My business works around my children and my family, so I could end up working until late into the evening and at weekends.
2/ What made you start the business and how did you get started?
I was unhappy in my full time job and wanted a better work/life balance with my family. Most of my wages were going on childcare and missed taking my children to school and picking them up. In early 2009, I was looking for arts and craft classes for my own children to attend and after some research, it became apparent there was very little available in the area, so decided to launch my own business doing just that.
3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
I have achieved lots of things in the last 4 years, but I have to say being one of Theo Paphitis chosen #SBS (small business Sunday) winners, meeting Theo and having my photo taken with him is the greatest business accomplishment to date. That feeling still lives on a year later and one experience I will never forget.
4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Many small businesses have been struggling the last few years, because of the economic climate. But like many crafts businesses, many advisers and professionals see it as a hobby, not a proper business, so crafting has been stereotyped. I have always stood my ground and fought for being a sustainable business. After 4 years, I think I have finally made many people realise I am a business and I am a serious businesswoman on a mission to succeed.
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5/What are your future plans for the business?
My business has changed so much in the 4 years and its a must for any business to succeed in these tough times. My new website and business direction has just reached its 3 month mark and because it has been a huge success, I am taking the business global. I have huge ambitions for 2013 including my own online TV channel or programme. Something I have wanted from the very beginning, so I am very excited for the future.
6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn't have spent so much money on PR and advertising, although its a great way to get the business name out there, but social media is the best way to do that and is a proven way to get more business too in a more cost effective way.
I would have loved to have had a creative mentor to guide me in the right direction – something which is seriously lacking here in the UK and where I am now helping many other craft businesses on their journey, through blogs and video mentoring.
7/ Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
As I said in the last question, many crafts businesses really don’t know where to turn and lose faith. Showing them that I have made a successful craft business, encourages and inspires others to do just that. I love seeing happy people who have the confidence and determination to make things happen. I have had the tough times too, but lived through them and come back stronger each time.
8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Always have faith in yourself and believe anything is possible. Positive mental attitude works wonders for any new business, but also understand you are not alone when things are tough. I would definitely recommend any new craft business using social media – its a great way to do business, but also a big community of like-minded people who can help in times of need or to ask for advice.
9/What or who inspires you in business and why?
I have lots of people in business who inspire me, but I guess Theo Paphitis is the most influential of successful entrepreneurs who I really admire. He has learnt so much for himself over the years and is doing his bit supporting small businesses now. Theo has lived those tough times, just like many businesses. But he is a true inspiration to listen to and a really nice guy to meet and tweet with
10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” – Albert Einstein
Contact Neday Craft
www.nedaycrafts.com
Email : info@nedaycrafts.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/NEDay-Crafts
Twitter: @NEDaycrafts
Vicky made a very good point on number seven. Success is quite contagious. If you got yours and share it to the other people, you are also encouraging them to believe in themselves and follow their dreams to be successful. It is rather a choice more than luck, regardless of how rocky the road can be. One would have to work hard on it, and give their full effort to the best of it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteClint Shaff @ Franchise Match