Chapter 1 of Starting Up My Own Business

Hello! This is my first ever blog, and it is all rather daunting. But I wanted to share my story, or rather my journey to ‘Businesswoman’. Actually, I am not quite there yet, so I probably shouldn’t blow my own trumpet too soon. It has been a very long and slow journey to my business launch date, and I believe I can see the end, although it is still quite a distance away, about two months in fact. But so much has gone on since I said (over 10 months ago now) that I would finally put my money where my mouth is and start my own business.

Funnily enough, I said a similar thing about starting a blog about 8 weeks ago, and I have only just got around to it. But here goes...

So, my business idea sprang from an accessory that has been on the market for many many years, but has predominantly been geared towards men: Cufflinks. I am putting together a collection of cufflinks that are designed specifically for women. They are such a sophisticated accessory that really allow an individual to express their personality and add a unique touch to everyday work wear. Yet it is only in the last few years that ladies cuffed shirts have become readily available on the high street - and still the range of ladies cufflinks is so small and limited. So that is my business objective; to provide women with classy, beautiful and feminine cufflinks that look fabulous and give a feel-good factor to a shirt or suit.

Design was a large and important part of these accessories. They have to be intricately feminine whilst also being practical. Therefore my choice of materials ranges from sterling silver, precious stones, pearls and crystals, to rhodium and gold plated designs of enamelled finish that will all provide longevity. The majority of the collection also feature pointed swivel fittings which ease the process of putting the cufflinks on, which is always an issue when I am rushed in the mornings.

My next task was presentation boxes, which are fundamental to the lady in the sense that it can be a fantastic gift box, as well as providing the protection that beautiful jewellery requires. With these in the pipe line, I am now designing my website, organising photography, writing business plans, marketing plans, you name it, it’s all on my endless list of things to do. But the most important factor that keeps me propelling the business forward is my passion. I love these accessories, and I want every lady out there to love them too.

I have been really lucky with the support I have received along the way, this has helped me enormously. Firstly are my friends, who have had to cope with endless market research questions being propelled at them, along with sampling products and providing feedback. Secondly, the support from Women Do Business has been wonderful. This programme is run by the Rural Community Council for Devon and provides local women starting up businesses with advice and support. After joining last November I have been hooked, attending all the seminars, workshops, and this week’s International Women Do Business Day. I always leave an event filled with confidence, self-belief and inspiration. It is a great way to meet women in the same position, share stories and worries and receive advice and support on the subjects that are limiting our business progression. We must have all looked hilarious at one of the workshops last week when we were trying to set up Twitter accounts for our businesses. Technology was quickly identified as one of our core weaknesses. But you can now find me on Twitter as The Cufflink Lady, thanks to that fabulous workshop. I just hope I will be able to put some photos up soon so that you can all see why I am so excited to be launching my business.