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MumsClub Name: beautifulthings
Real Name: Zoe Winfield
Age (or age range): 33
Children’s ages: 4, 2 and baby due in May 09
Business Name: Beautiful things
What are the key features of the products or services that your business offers:
a carefully selected range of treats and gifts for women, including bags, jewellery, pampering and home accessories
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We aim to offer something different from the high street, but at high street prices and we work with other small businesses to put together a unique range. Plus because we're a small business we offer exceptional customer service.
When & how did you start up in business?
May 2003
How did you decide what business to go into, and what was your motivation?
I often shopped for my husband online but I wanted a one-stop girlie shop to buy gifts for friends, to save lunch hours battling with the crowds. After 9 months of research I decided to go for it ... and haven't looked back!
What were the most challenging aspects to setting up?
The same challenge that I still face now - getting potential customers to know about us.
What has been your biggest business achievement?
We've been mentioned in the press lots of times, which always feels great - including This Morning, Cosmopolitan, Easy Living, Marie Claire, Vogue, Closer, New Woman, Mother and Baby and Essentials.
What stage is your business at now & what are your plans for the future?
The business is growing well and we have a great level of repeat custom and word of mouth business. Future plans include an ongoing PR initiative and more link-ups with other small businesses.
How do you manage to juggle your business with family life? Has it been challenging?
Beautifulthings.co.uk was my first baby - it launched over 3 months before I found out I was expecting my first child, so when I launched I had NO IDEA quite how tricky working from home with a baby (and subsequently babies!) would be. I am very disciplined about separating work time from family time, but my children also understand that after we've done something for them, that mummy will need to do some work and they will read, draw, play games by themselves. It is a real challenge, but one that I believe is worth it.
Has online networking, specifically with other mums, benefited your business?
I think it's probably benefited my sanity more than my business, but this is an area I want to explore more in the new year.
What advice would you give another mum considering starting her own business?
Research, research, research, and be prepared for mummy guilt. But remember that although it's hard work, it's also incredibly fulfilling.
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