The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
There are probably 3 big challenges for me:
- My friend sold the local Tavern, so as a result, the markets I was going to ended, and I had to try and find a new way of selling my products. It was at this time that the first online store was set up. Our original online store had all the patterns that were available and customers could pre-order their blankets, etc, based on what they wanted (size, colour, design, personalisation etc).
- We had 2 kids. This was probably the biggest adjustment for me (as I’m sure Covid has been an adjustment for many). I left my full-time accounting job, and at the same time, our contracting business expanded rapidly. Adjusting to not having all the extra free-time to sew until my heart was content was difficult. I try and make sure I do something for Love Always every day (even if 10 minutes is all I get).
- Covid. This meant the turnaround times on our fabric productions were expanded well beyond our usual turnaround times and sometimes we couldn’t get what we needed at all. This was one of the prompts to restrict/control the custom orders more.
It also meant the end of markets and fac-to-face sales for a long time, and again meant we had to make more of a move to online sales and marketing.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
For me, the pros are that I LOVE making beautiful products that I know are practical and customers will enjoy for a long time. My business, although very small, helps with my own mental health as it is mine and I can do with it what I like. It is the one small part of life that I have control over.
I get to try the products out with my own kids, and will often make changes as we go along because I think something could be better. But I also get to show the durability and the longevity of our products through actually using them myself.
In terms of cons, it’s hard! Sales can be few and far between (then you will get a rush and it’s a great pro). I have also had to learn about marketing and other aspects that were definitely not in my area of expertise, such as photography, social media, design, etc.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would like for Love Always NZ to be a popular brand among mums and kids, as well as being known for a great place to get beautiful gifts. I would like to get the business going to a point where it can justify me spending more of my “work” time on this business.
I am adding more and more products, as well as working on creating pre-made gift boxes, etc.
I have a friend in Australia who has been getting me to make up pre-packaged gift boxes for her friends in NZ and send them direct to them for their baby showers or new arrivals and this has definitely given me some ideas for services we can offer to our customers.
Visit the Love Always NZ website to find out more and to browse their beautiful range of products. You can also join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
