Please tell us what is a typical business
day for you?
There is no typical
day! Yesterday I was sourcing new products for next season, which meant a bit
of travelling, while today I am working with my logistics company to fine tune
our delivery process. I also need to meet with my web designer to get our new products
section finalised and am training two new members of staff on how to host a
party and sell the products. It is varied and I love it.
What made you start the business and how did you
get started?
The concept of social
selling has been around for a few years now and is working really well for
companies such as Stella and Dot – the US company organises jewellery parties.
I was aware of the success of social selling companies, particularly in the
States, and it was during a trip to the US that I spotted a gap in the UK
market.
This gap was for
luxurious, high quality bedding and home accessories that are affordable and
available to women who might not have the time to shop, especially for
themselves. The UK home furnishings market is estimated to be worth almost £4
billion and growing, however until now, the opportunity for high quality
products to be browsed and purchased at leisure has not been recognised.
A lot of time was
spent researching other products and companies and once I was confident there
was a gap in the market, I put together my business plan, sourced my first
product range and had a good chat with the bank manager! At first I ran my own
Home Parties but was keen from the start to recruit other Home Stylists.
What would you say has been your greatest
accomplishment in the business world to date?
Without doubt,
setting up this company. It has been a huge learning curve – still is – and
takes me out of my comfort zone, challenging me every day. I was particularly
proud when we opened our showroom as it really does show off the products in
situ. And when we launched in Scotland I knew we were doing well – that felt
great.
What has been your biggest
challenge in business so far?
Choosing
the best suppliers to reflect the brand. I’m not willing to compromise on
quality so it took me 12 months to get the products right and I’m still adding
to the range so that element is a challenge. But one I enjoy.
What are your future plans for the
business?
Growth
– we’ve had interest from potential homesellers in other parts of Europe, which
is very exciting, but for now we are concentrating on the UK. It’s important to
grow at the right pace and with the right people. So far we have created a
fantastic team of representatives all over the UK and I want to continue with
that and encourage them to grow their own teams. We’ve also diversified our
range and include children’s clothes and products now and that is something
that’s going really well, so I’m looking to develop that arm of the business.
If you had to do it all over
again, what would you do differently?
Ask
for a bit more help! At the start I tried to do it all but having met so many
fantastic women through this I realise should have tapped into the resource
that these girlfriends provided.
Why is it so important to inspire
young women in particular to follow their dreams?
Happiness
at work is so important, it takes up so much of our time. Women are told these
days they can have it all and while I have yet to meet anyone who juggles
absolutely everything successfully (!),
I do think there are some amazing opportunities out there now, through
training, mentorships, scholarships and funding. Young women need to know that
they don’t have to follow a prescriptive path. It’s about finding what is right
for you and through sites such as 2Inspire, young women can hopefully see that
this has worked for other people, giving them the courage to at least consider
their own dreams, even if they don’t pursue them immediately.
What advice would you give to
somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Be passionate about
the product you are selling or the service you are providing. Don’t start a
business you’re not going to enjoy - because you are going to spend a lot of
time on it in the first few years! And don’t be afraid to ask others to fill
any skills gaps. You can’t be an expert at everything. Learn to delegate a
little as soon as possible.
What or who inspires you in business
and why?
The
hotel inspector! I love Alex Polizzi. Her advice is very sensible and sound,
but delivered well. She in a very direct, but nice way. She’s professional but
approachable but what is key is that she relates to her customers and
understands what they need. That’s key to the success of any business
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
I don’t know who said
it but I like ‘It doesn’t have to be new, just better.’
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