In business… “I’d say don’t be afraid to ask for help because I was an amateur when I started my business and had no idea on how to write a business plan.”
Interview with Rachel Gilbertson, Founder of Roxiie's Treasures - a company which sells handmade Crosby and Liverpool themed cushions and other gifts.
Rachel took the world of employment into her own hands, at the young age of 19, when she struggled to find a job, she decided to create her own. Find out how Roxii's Treasures has helped Rachel in building a career and lifestyle, and how she has transformed her business since its launch in April 2013.
Explain a little about your working background. How did you start doing what you are doing now, and your business journey?
I started my business Roxiie's Treasures at the age of 19 years old in April 2013 due to not being able to get a job because of my age and little work experience. I started out buying and selling jewellery as well as making my own unique pieces and went into different areas buying wholesale goods of jewellery, handbags, scarves, accessories, gifts and home decor. Within a few months of setting up, I had an opportunity to rent a space within an arts and crafts emporium upstairs in a cafe. Within a year of starting, the shop next door came up To Let and thought it was a chance to grow Roxiie's Treasures and have my own shop to expand. It was based in Crosby in Liverpool so I decided to start producing products for the local area so my mum and I started making Iron Men on Crosby Beach cushions, Liverpool Skyline and Liverbird cushions as well. I had my shop called The Treasure Trove for two years before moving online and selling at events.
What was it like in the first week or two of starting your own business?
In the first couple of weeks of starting my own business was quite scary because I started from scratch, I was a complete amateur as I had never been in business before but it was a real learning curve doing my business plan and just trying to get myself out there to the public and known.
How did you fund your business in the initial stages and how has that changed as time went on?
I funded my business through selling a few personal possessions of mine to give me some more money and after being on job seeker's allowance while looking for a job. I then got the New Enterprise Allowance after working with the job centre/Blue Orchid to work on my business plan and cash flow forecast and after that, I went to The Women's Organisation who helped me set up including doing business courses on tax and national insurance, social media marketing, etc and I got a £200 start up grant off them to help buy me marketing materials and stock.
What's the most important thing you're working on right now, and how are you making it happen?
The most important thing I am working on now is growing Roxiie's Treasures and taking it to the next level by adapting my business plan to current and new products and I have just updated our website to make it look more professional. I am using a positive mindset strategy to grow and expand by giving things a go, making the most of opportunities as you never know who you might meet. I am going to more networking events, joined a business club and generally just spreading the word about my products whether that's through word of mouth, flyers or social media.
“My commercial strategy is to expand my product ranges into different products but also take it into different places within the UK.”
Tell us about your support network - did you have the backing of your friends and family
I have always had the backing of my family; my mum makes products, helps me at events and has covered me when I had the shop if I ever needed to be anywhere else. My dad is also a huge help because he drives us to the events and also to get supplies with my mum as well. Family are a huge part of making your business a success because they want the best for you, they spread the word of the business for you and also they are a fresh pair of eyes if you ever need help on anything.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What gets me out of bed in the morning is that every day is a new day, a new day for opportunities whether that's working on your business, coming up with ideas, business networking, sending emails or just having some you time to have that break from your business.
Tell us how you got your first few clients (include tips on attaining new business)
How I got my first few clients was I set up a page on Facebook and spread the word through social media posting photographs of my products. My tips on attaining new business is provide excellent customer service, be there for people when selling products/services and have an aftercare service asking for feedback and reviews.
What are your tips on getting past the 12 month mark?
My tips to make it past the 12 months mark is to focus on what you want to achieve in business, your personal goals and where you want to take your business as this is very important to help your positive mindset and give you the enthusiasm to grow. I'd also say don't be afraid to ask for help because I was an amateur when I started my business and had no idea on how to write a business plan as well as other things so I found help and asked family and friends for help whenever I needed it. My final tip is to make the most of every opportunity as you never know what opportunities may come your way or what doors could open if you do attend that certain networking event, always be willing to promote your business or tell others what you do as you never know who you may be talking to, which they may be able to connect you with their contacts, etc.
What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to make even more money?
My commercial strategy is to expand my product ranges into different products but also take it into different places within the UK, as my business currently does Liverpool products, I am going to eventually take it into different parts of the UK as well as the world which will help me to expand my business and make more money by doing market research and providing products people want to see.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years time?
I see myself and my business Roxiie's Treasures growing my business products ranges and expanding into different cities around the UK providing products which represents their areas.
Roxiie's Treasures was set up in 2013 by Rachel Gilbertson which sells handmade Crosby and Liverpool themed cushions and other gifts; you can buy them at www.roxiiestreasures.co.uk; Facebook page is www.facebook.com/roxiiestreasuresliverpool and her Twitter is www.twitter.com/roxiiestreasure
