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MumsClub Name: borobabe
Real Name: Cari Parker
Age (or age range): 36
Children’s ages: 4 and 2
Business Name:The Dales Party Company Ltd
Business Contact: Cari Parker
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
We sell a variety of party supplies with the range expanding all the time. We offer a fast delivery of your order and can provide a party in a box to help busy parents plan for their children's party. We are also going to be offering a full party planning service throughout North Yorkshire.
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We are very aware that parties can be expensive, so we offer all the basics in single quantities meaning you only ever order what you actually want. For party organisers that don't have much time we can work together with them to help organise the party including the entertainment, venue, food and decorations. Our balloon decoration service is very popular for weddings but can also be great for other parties and corporate events.
When & how did you start up in business?
I started Party Sprite early in 2008 and formed The Dales Party Company Ltd in June 2008.
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
A friend ran a party supplies business but didn't have the time to keep going, so I agreed to take over from her. I got a list of suppliers and a website, and I took it from there. I knew that with my children getting to school age I would have plenty of chances to promote my business.
What were the most challenging aspects to setting up?
I have had to learn a lot in a short time. I have a basic understanding of website design now, and marketing too, and with the company going incorporated I have had an awful lot to learn on that side (with my accountants help).
What has been your biggest business achievement?
It's still early days. Probably so far it has been getting that first sale through the website, made all my hard work on it worthwhile and there has been a steady stream of customers ever since.
Have, or do you do anything out of the ordinary to benefit your business?
Not yet but I have big plans for the balloon decoration side, including a balloon release for our new venture, Coochie Cou.
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
We are still in our infancy really, the party business is a huge industry and we are only touching the tip so far. I have plans to complete my balloon training and I am currently working on the Baby Fairs side with another local business owner. I also want to grow the party supplies side with a wholesale warehouse to support local party shops and to get more contacts for the party planning side.
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
This has to be the biggest challenge. I have one at playgroup three mornings a week which has helped a lot, but as the orders pick up I am going to find it tricky. Something has to take a back seat and it's the housework, and I am lucky to have an understanding husband. We do try to make Sunday a family day so we have at least one normal day a week. I will say there are a lot of late nights and early mornings!
How has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
There is something about talking things through with people in exactly the same position as you are. I rely a lot on advice and opinions from my fellow business mums, they really understand the challenges of trying to work and look after children and how it can make you feel guilty. They have also been a good source of contacts for services my business needs, we are always recommending companies to each other.
What resources do you NOT have now that might make your life easier?
One of the basics really, money. I started the business on a non existent budget and although things are a little easier it can still be a case of which is most important, buying more stock or paying for advertising. I look forward to the day when the company is supporting me and I no longer have to worry so much about keeping that positive balance in the bank!
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Go for it, but with the right planning and forecasts. It is all too easy to jump straight in and then find you are floundering. Make sure you over estimate costs and underestimate sales and you should do fine.
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