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Business Profile : ABO London

Hello Ladies, in today's Business Profile,  we are featuring another fascinating Business woman. Aliya Boranbayeva is the founder of a High end Scarf Label, ABO London. Her amazing Business story may motivate you to start your own business! We really hope so.

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

I get up quite early, have a cup of coffee, check the news, emails and my plan. I have a plan where I put what I need to achieve throughout the year and then months and weeks and even days. It is very helpful and makes my routine very organised. These days I work from home which is convenient and relaxing, because everything is handy and I can do many tasks straight from my bedroom table. I try to do a bit of social media in the morning which is very important nowadays. I usually have a meeting or go out throughout the day to check some places.   

   

2/ What made you start the business and how did you get started?

I have a background in media, marketing and business development. I worked in different industries like oil&gas, finance and technologies. At the same time I always did paintings and had a strong desire to create something. In my last job I was doing so well so I thought well I could do well for myself and my business. I left my work and talked to my friend and we decided to start  a business together. I always wanted to be in the art and fashion world so in a way was my friend. We decided to start making accessories, then we started using my paintings and make printed fabrics. Then we would make scarves from this fabric. We also had an idea to make everything in the UK and make ethical products that should be Eco friendly and skin friendly. The ABO London brand was created. We launched the first collection of scarves and that was pretty good, then later we launched cushions. All it happened last year. Later my friend decided to do something different so now I am completely responsible for the development of ABO London brand.    

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

It is a small and new business, but so far it has few achievements. When we started the company we wanted to make it as ethical as possible. That is why all our fabrics outsourced and printed in the UK, then all scarves and later cushions are finished in the UK. ABO London has been recognised by the Ethical Fashion Forum, the industry body for sustainable fashion. ABO London became one of the finalists of SOURCE Awards 2012, the Global Awards for Sustainable Fashion as a Brand to Watch. In our first year of trading we got stockists in the UK, Japan and Hong Kong.  

 

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Running a business is like a roller coaster, you can have very exciting moments as well as very low moments. One of the biggest challenges is to stay motivated and keep going. It can be hard but you have to do it. In my case it is all due to will power and self control. At the end I'm fine because I believe in what I do. 

5/What are your future plans for the business?One of my main motto's is to Think Big! So I would like to develop the brand organically inside and outside of Europe. I also would like to add more accessories to the product line. I would love to see ABO products in large department stores from Hong Kong to Brazil. 

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would probably keep my job as a part time without completely relying on my savings. Sometimes it takes ages to make that first profit and it takes time to build a brand.  

7/ Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

Because they have talent, strength, passion and all abilities to follow their dreams. They just need to believe in themselves and be motivated. It is exciting to start and run a business, it is rewarding, because you create something great. It is lot of hard work, but it will pay off one day. 

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Listen to your guts and not someones negative comments. Stay focused on what you want to do and what to achieve. Everything is possible and that's in your power. I never give up and I never let anyone or anything get in my way. I use the power of positive thinking to tackle challenges so they don't defeat me. So stay positive and focused. 

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

I'm inspired by business women like Deborah Meaden, Karren Brady, Tamara Mellon and many others who don't give up and creative in many ways to grow their businesses.   

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote? 

I have a dream and never give up.

Contact ABO London

www.abolondon.com

Email : info@abolondon.com

Twitter: @ABOLONDON

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ABO-London/

Business Profile: NeDay Craft

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.

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

Don't miss some super workshops at 2Inspire Network Ladies Day March 9th 2013

Full listing of workshops - Register here: http://2inspireladiesdaypart2.eventbrite.com/#.

For access to all workshops a one off payment of £5 is essential, please make payment via workshop admission link and then highlight the workshops you would like to attend.

11am-12pm How to turn your passion to money
Facilitated by Tobi Ayowemi of Passion to Business.com
A workshop that will provide strategies on how individuals can start and market their business and achieve fulfilment and work life balance. It will introduce ways that attendees can fit a business around their family lives.


12.15pm-1pm Get Healthy, Stay Balanced
Facilitated by Bisi of Safe & Sound Food Solutions
A workshop that will educate on the long term effects of an improper diet on the the body and how the body can self heal if nourished with the right foods.


1.15pm-1.45pm The world of Journalism, a magazine editors insight
Facilitated by Vernia Mengot of Lime Magazine
A workshop that will educate on the magazine industry, how to get in, how to build contacts, taking opportunities and making sacrifices.


2pm-2.45pm Hairloss, Health, Holistic Hair Care
Facilitated by Annette Headley of Almocado
A workshop that aims to raise awareness about the importance of holistic approaches to hair care and general well being. To help those dealing with hair loss to find ways that may lead to recovery.


3pm-4pm Slippers to Heels
Faciliated by Carol Stewart of Abounding Solutions
A workshop that aims to educate on what causes low confidence and teach how to challenge limiting self beliefs and techniques to improve self - confidence


4.15pm-5pm Transform your life
Facilitated by: Usha Penumuchi of Dare To Dream
A workshop that looks at examining an individuals potential providing guidance on how to work through goals and how they can identify who they are, what they want and where they want to be


5.15pm-6pm How to improve your child's academic attainment
Facilitated by Neil Mayers of Raising Black Achievement
A workshop that raises awareness and provides practical strategies to improve a child's academic attainment and introduce resources that can assist.


A make-up artists beauty secrets facilitated by Mr Gorgeous of Gorgeousology
A drop-in consultation to get beauty tips from an industry expert.


Dress for Success facilitated by Omi Api Consultancy
A drop-in consultation which will raise awareness of the effect of clothing on a person's success in business and personal life

Register here: http://2inspireladiesdaypart2.eventbrite.com/#

Business Profile: Nadia Arain of Secret Paradise Spa

Secret Paradise is a Luxury Day Spa based in Hendon, North London that offers a wide variety of classic spa treatments including threading, waxing, nails, body wraps & scrubs, facials, massages, tanning, brow & lash tinting and extensions. Secret Paradise will be holding a pamper corner at the 2inspire Ladies Day on the 9th March 2012.

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

A typical business day is dealing with clients, booking, attending meetings and leading staff.

2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?

I love working for myself and it took courage and fearlessness to start operating. I needed to source the right location, staffing and products to put it all together.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

Being a young business owner. Having no previous business experience and creating a successful spa from scratch was one of the toughest things ever and I feel that is my biggest accomplishment.

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Attracting clients into the spa on a regular basis and retaining them.

5/What are your future plans for the business?

To build upon the existing systems and scale the business into more branches!

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would REALLY research everything in-depth and not leave it ad-hoc because it is how you lose business and how I lost MAJOR business in my first year.

7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?

 "You changed my life and inspired me to take control of it"

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

 Price yourself for profit. If your price isn't correct, you'll never profit. Also, your team has to be outstanding. The wrong person on your team often means shutting down the business.

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

My business coaches. They are very successful women and without their help, my business wouldn't be HALF the business it is.

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Life is a bitch. You gotta go out and kick ass -- Maya Angelou

Twitter : @Secret_Spa
Facebook : Secret Paradise Spa

Website : www.secretparadisespa.com

Business Profile: Spilly Spoon

In this business profile feature we meet the founder of Spilly Spoon, Philippa Le Boutillier, an extraordinary businesswoman with a fascinating story! We were inspired interviewing her, we hope you are inspired by reading this interview.

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

After getting 3 children ready for school and nursery I head to the office to answer emails and process orders. We are getting a lot of enquiries from overseas countries, as Spilly Spoon is a medical device we have to adhere to very strict regulations so I spend a lot of time researching the rules for every country. We are also working on new product developments. The social media work tends to kick in once the children are in bed!  Thank goodness for Ipads and Blackberrys as I can work whilst waiting for the children to come out of school.  I feel I should join a circus as I am becoming a master at juggling!

2/ What made you start the business and how did you get started?

As I have 3 young children plenty of medicine has been administered and plenty spilt whilst chasing them around the kitchen! As with many parents, I’ve also had to get up in the middle of the night to give a sick child medicine (whilst half asleep) and end up stripping the bed or the child as they’re covered in sticky medicinal goo! Thus Spilly Spoon was born!

Two years ago I began searching the internet but didn’t find anything on the market so decided to design my own non-spill medicine spoon. I wanted to combine fun with function so came up with a character theme design that was also practical for the parent.  The most important thing was its simplicity - being able to lay a spoon, full of medicine on a table or worktop without spilling while you get your child ready.

After various drawings and designs I finally came up with the caterpillar shape, the calibrations of its body formed the medicine measurements. The design was tactile and easy to hold for the child as well as simple for parents to pour an accurate measurement of medicine.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

Within 12 weeks of launching, Spilly Spoon was available on the High Street. It’s the most amazing feeling to walk into a shop and see your product hanging on the shelf and to think you did that!.

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Gaining the CE Certification, with no understanding or background in manufacturing or medical devices - Learning about the unknown has got me to where I am today!

5/What are your future plans for the business?

We are currently working on new products and hope to build Spilly Spoon into a global brand.

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing, because each stage has enabled me to learn so much - both good and bad! However, I would definitely save money 2^nd time around!

7/ Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

Anything is possible and if you believe in something so passionately you must pursue it.

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Research, understand your target market and seek advice and listen, sometimes it may not be what you want to hear. 

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

There are some very successful women in business at the moment who like myself had no background in their products but with a lot of passion, determination and hard work have created global brands and they are keen to help share their knowledge which is invaluable.  My biggest inspiration would be my children as without them I wouldn’t have started the Spilly Spoon

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

‘You only have one life and it’s not a dress rehearsal’   

Contact Spilly Spoon

Www.spillyspoon.com
Facebook: Spilly Spoon
Twitter @spillyspoon
Email: info@spillyspoon.com

You can buy Spilly Spoon online or via JoJo Maman Bebe or the NCT Shop

Business Profile: Michelle Smith of EmperorEmpress

EmperorEmpress is a new and exciting clothing brand which aims to bring out the King or Queen within. EmperorEmpress is about individuality, style and a celebration of the Movement, where Red, Gold and Green are expressed in a way that is  fashion forward in-line with today's current trends.  Their exclusive range covers everything from clothing to jewellery and accessories. Michelle Smith of EmperorEmpress says "everything is limited edition so you can be confident that when you make your order, your purchase is one made of true blessings and love".

EmperorEmpress will be one of the exhibitors at the next ladies in March. Read our interview with Michelle to find out more about this entrepreneur and her business:

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

The role of starting a business day is so varied! I try to start around 6am, checking through emails and any social media accounts EmperorEmpress has for customer correspondence, feedback or queries. I find ways to promote the brand and connect with my target market via social media.

I then process any orders, and find inspiration for new designs which then get updated and are added to the sites on a regular basis. I  spend the rest of my time happily sewing on my machine and creating samples.

2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?

I Always dreamt of being a designer from the age of 7. I started out practising on my grand-aunts old sewing machine, took my first textile class aged 11 in secondary school. Then went on to study a Btec National Diploma in Fashion and Art and Design in College. My dream was put to the wayside due to starting a family and needing the stability of a 9-5 desk job. Being on maternity leave with my last child 10yrs later, the thought of putting my three children in to childcare, hardly seeing them, working long hours and not being fulfilled did not seem like a future for us. So I handed in my notice got myself re-acquainted with the sewing machine again and enrolled on a business enterprise course with the Princes Trust. Being around other like minded people really encouraged me  and I knew that I was doing the right thing. I took part in a community fashion show with the help of friends which kick-started the business. At the same time my mother began to take an interest in jewellery making, she became very good at it and now makes the jewellery I design for the brand.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

 Everything has been a great accomplishment, completing a garment I love, to designing the logo, to creating my website and making it live myself. I was over the moon when my first order came through on the website! Another small but great step in accomplishments, is when Sean-Paul started following my brand on twitter!

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

The biggest challenge is being a one man band. There is no-one to really delegate to! Another challenge is getting ready for shows and events I showcase and exhibit at. I like the brand to make an impact and have a wide vision and have become a perfectionist. With that I spend every hour God sends into getting it right for EmperorEmpress.

5/What are your future plans for the business?

 Future plans are to expand the range. This year we are focusing on the apparel side including outwear and promoting the jewellery as that is one of our best sellers. I hope to get extra hands involved, including my brother to expand the range to involve artwork. This year we are working with up-and-coming artists to promote each other and I would like to have a shop or stall to trade from.

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Create more time!!

7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?

The compliments I receive from friends is that I am doing well juggling home life and family life with a business and also when a customer is completely happy with a product. It makes me feel satisfied like I am doing things right.

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Find a gap in the market for an original idea and go for it!! If it's your talent and you are passionate about it, only good can come out of it.

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

What inspires me in business is tenacity, calculated risks and being open. I get inspired by everyone who runs ANY business and like people in that position who share their pathes to success. Alan Sugar and Richard Branson are great examples of that.

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Aim for the stars and you will tough the clouds”  Aim high!!

Twitter: @emperor_empress

Facebook: Emperor Empress

Instagram: EmpressMeesh

Website address: www.emperorempress.co.uk

To see some of EmperorEmpress' designs, come along to the Ladies Day at the Crowne Plaza in Docklands on the 9th March, register for your free attendance now:

http://2inspireladiesdaypart2.eventbrite.com/

Business Profile on Ruth Odunuga of 360 Hype

Ruth Odunuga of 360 Hype is the event manager of the 2inspire Ladies Day event, she has been in this role since the inaugural event in August 2012, her personality and her great organisational skills were highly commended by participants of the event and we are looking forward to working with her at the event in March. Below is a business profile on Ruth, find out more about the person behind 360 Hype marketing & event management:

  

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

A typical business day for me starts with me making telephone calls to previous clients to ensure they were happy with the service given. I also make calls to potential clients to check what services we can offer them.
The day also consists of venue searching, liaising with suppliers and a continuous check of emails so that I can respond to any enquiries.


2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?

I started my business because as a person I naturally enjoy organising things and making sure things are in order. For a long time I always was the one who would organise family functions and it got to a point that I thought I should take this a stage further and look into starting a business of Event Management. I also graduated in Marketing and for 5 years worked as a Marketing Manager/Consultant, after having my first child I decided to take the plunge and develop a  Marketing service of my own  for small businesses. It seemed only natural that I developed a company that combined the two.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

My greatest accomplishment I would say, to be honest, is leaving full time work to go off and start my own business and running it successfully! It takes a lot to decide you will not go back to full time work and once you make that decision you have to do everything possible to make it happen!


4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

 My biggest challenge so far is making sure we stay on top of our game so that we stand out from 'the rest'. We face challenges and obstacles all day everyday but it is up to us how much we chose to let it control us or we control it!

5/What are your future plans for the business?

My future plans is to take the event management into the corporate world.


 6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I wouldn't do anything differently, but I would seek more advice from experienced bodies, as we can never know to much, continuous self development is important in business.


7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?

 The best compliments that I have received is that I am very natural in my approach and that I do not make my clients feel like its a client-consultant relationship, also I am constantly told that my company makes my clients feel as if they are the 'only one.

                                                        

                                                       


8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Do all your groundwork first, talk to professionals, even talk to people/businesses that will soon be your competitors because that way you get a clearer idea of what you are about to enter into. A solid piece of advice I can give is always always ALWAYS ask questions, no matter how big or small, no question is too silly.

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?
There are many people out there that inspire me, this can be from the man I see helping is old grandmother to cross the road to personal family members. Family wise, my parents will always be my inspiration, from the advice I used to get as a kid (but never wanted to listen) to the advice I still get today. My husband and my sister are also huge parts of my motivation, my sister too, many years ago took the leap of leaving full time work to start her own business and today she is running a fully successful operational business, that inspires me! My husband, day in day out gives me so much encouragement on what to do next, if it was not for him I would not have been able to take the plunge and leave full time work. He is my financial advisor, my secretary, my strategist, my mentor, my CEO - he always has that positive word that inspires me to go on. It would be hard for 360Hype to be where it is without the help/word of my husband.
10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman

                                      

Ruth Odunuga
360Hype Marketing & Event Management:
Twitter - @360hypeme
Facebook - www.facebook.com/360Hype
Office: 01322 250 015
Mobile: 07931 908 995
Website: www.360hype.com

Hazel Chawapiwa shortlisted as “Role Model of The Year” at the Women4Africa Awards

The 2Inspire Network is proud to announce that Hazel Chawapiwa has been shortlisted for a Women4Africa Award in the “Role Model of The Year” Category. The 2Inspire Network was launched in 2012 with its inaugural Ladies Day at The Crowne Plaza Docklands. This year will see the return of the 2Inspire Ladies Day on March 9^th with the launch of the 2Inspire Academy; a personal development and life-skills programme for young people aged 16-21.

Hazel Chawapiwa was born in the UK in the mid-70s but originates from Zimbabwe. She is a passionate business woman who started her first business in 1999 whilst studying at University. Hazel often says the financial strains of being a young single mother and a student was the motivation for her to start her own business. A redundancy and the need to raise a deposit to get on the property ladder led to her becoming involved in a number of business ventures one of them being an events company which she started with an old time friend. It was a successful venture and it was during this period that she realised that working full-time was suppressing her entrepreneurial spirit.

The 2inspire network was launched in May of 2012, “Empowering individuals and helping them to realise their potential is something that I am passionate about. I believe that women should work together and support each other on their journeys, this belief is the foundation of the network, an organisation that provides forums and platforms that help to empower, promote and inspire women” says Founder Hazel Chawapiwa.

Women4africa is a UK registered organisation focused on  celebrating  and empowering  Africa and its women by supporting and  celebrating their role in their communities via Conferences, supporting education and an awards ceremony honouring women identified and nominated by the public. The Women4Africa Awards will take place on May 18^th at the Great Hall in Kensington.

Notes to Editor

Images available upon request

Marketing@2inspirenetwork.com

www.2inspirenetwork.com

http://www.women4africa.com/