From Precious
March, 2009
Siobhan McIntosh| Retail / Leisure
Siobhan McIntosh Interiors
www.siobhanmcintosh.com
Siobhan is the owner of Siobhan McIntosh Interiors, a London
interior accessories and gift e-boutique.
Precious: Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Yes. I'd wanted to be my own boss since the age of 14. Then at 20, I found myself pregnant. I was in my final year of university; faced with the financial debit of a student and about to have a baby, I did question if my dream would ever become a reality, but I thank God the desire never died. I finally am a business woman and my own boss!
Precious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?
Whilst growing up I was fascinated by interior and textile design; however, my
main inspiration for the business came in January 2008.
My son had just started primary school and I was in a very challenging
full-time job. I was unable to drop or collect him from
school because of my working hours and the travel distance. I quickly began
to resent the situation and would be left feeling
exhausted and guilty at the end of each day, wishing I could spend more
quality time with my son. He too would get upset daily and innocently question
why I was unable to do the ‘school run’. I then decided something had to
change. It was time for me to be my own boss; have a career that I loved
and fitted around my son.
I left my job in February 2008 and in June 2008 Siobhan McIntosh Interiors
was finally established.
Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage
I decided that my business venture had to be something I was passionate
about; therefore, I enrolled on two short courses in interior design
and soft furnishing. I also researched various potential career paths
within interior design and decoration. I even did work-experience as
an assistant Interior Stylist.
I then went on to attend a series of OneLondon (business support agency)workshops,
which focused on setting up your own business. My next point of contact
was the
Princess
Trust. They helped me to piece together the early stages of my business
plan.
Before my plan was completed I had already started the business, but by
applying the method of writing down my ideas, analysing them regularly
and researching the market in more detail, it gave me the knowledge to
create a more practical and robust business strategy.
When I look back, it is amazing how far my business plan has come, it’s
constantly evolving. Research and a business plan of some kind, is so important,
it really helps to save time and money.
Precious: Did you have any formal business training?
No, not really.
Precious: What funding sources have worked for you?
The business has been funded by myself and the sales generated from our accessories. .
Precious: How do you work on making your business grow?
By letting the quality of my products and service speak for its self. Stay focused,
learn from my mistakes, and continue to work hard on creating a unique
signature brand.
I also plan on increasing my retail and marketing presence. My vision is
for Siobhan McIntosh Interiors to be an international company.
Precious: Has your business developed in the way that you thought it would?
Running a business has been much harder than I thought, but I relish the challenge.
I am very pleased with the outcome of my business to date. The feedback
from others is tremendous and the business continues to go from strength
to strength.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event to happen in your business life so far?
Being a finalist in the Precious Awards 2008; it was a gratifying experience to be recognised so early in my business venture.
Precious: Apart from Precious do you belong to any other networking groups?
I have my own online Siobhan McIntosh Interiors networking group and I have recently joined a few additional online business groups. .
Precious: How has family/friend support affected your business efforts?
My close friends and family have been a wealth of support. There enthusiasm and
words of encouragement have kept me both grounded and inspired. There support
has allowed me to continuously give my business nothing but my all; even
during the difficult times.
How do you see your business progressing over the next five years?
I believe the business will have a unique signature brand; our products will be stocked by more retailers and Siobhan McIntosh Interiors will have its own high street boutique.
Precious: How do you achieve the work life balance?
By multi-tasking daily. Along with being a mother, Siobhan McIntosh Interiors is my life. I eat and sleep it. I honestly believe that for my business to continue to be successful, I have to be willing to work hard, even if it means working on projects until midnight or early hours of the morning.
Precious: What's your advice to potential female entrepreneurs?
Have faith in yourself and your brand. Never give up and never be prepared to settle or ‘just make do’. Always be willing to learn and embrace change.
Siobhan was a finalist in the Best Creative Business category in the 2008 Precious Awards