The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Money is always the biggest challenge for business. At the start it is so hard because to get your own products manufactured you have to buy in really large quantities, which is such a huge risk, as well as a big outlay of money. Then to buy from local suppliers at a smaller cost you make little to no margin once you factor in other business costs, shipping, marketing etc. You really have to invest in yourself once you’ve worked out what you want to sell. It’s scary, but it is worth it if you are passionate.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I believe the pros outweigh the cons, although don’t ask me that when I’m having one of those days! Pros are you can combine all of your talents into one, you only have yourself to answer to (this can be a con as well), you are the creative direction of your brand, and you stock and design the products you love. Cons are that there are so many things you need to do to run a business, and some of these are hard and outside of your skill set. For me that’s marketing, but without money to pay other people to do all the things you suck at doing, you end up having to fudge your way through all of that for the meantime.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would absolutely love to open a bricks and mortar store for Bombora. At night I dream of the layout; I’ve even drawn plans. I would love to have a little café inside the store as well to give people that calm Byron Bay lifestyle feeling as they come in.
Visit the Bombora House website to shop their range of beautiful products and follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram.
