Today is Monday, a day we are typically rested from the weekend and ready to get into a working frame of mind. What better time then, to interview a mom who is also an entrepreneur? Nicola Date is the second is the series of Momentrepreneurs.
Tell us about yourself, a bit of background.
I grew up in Johannesburg and obtained my BA in Dramatic Arts (Hons) from Wits University, before moving to the beautiful Cape Town. At university, I majored in Arts Management and Production design and I had the privilege of doing a variety of other subjects, equipping me for the big bad world. My husband and I were thrilled to welcome our little girl in 2014. I love animals, swimming and sunny days!
- What were you doing before you started this business?
I was working as a set, costume, prop and décor designer.
- What prompted you to start your business?
While pregnant, I had decided to do applique on my future daughter’s boring new baby vests. My best friend loved them and suggested I sell them and this is how By Me. Customised Baby and Kids Range was born. Over the past year and a bit, I have incorporated new products made by myself and other talented mothers, in order to promote small businesses and expose their incredible work to our target market.
- Is your business full time or part time and why?
When I am not running my baby range, I am working as a set, costume, décor and prop designer. I also do event invitations and any other requested design projects. I was also doing this before I started my business. I actually design under the name By Me. and so I decided to give the baby range the same name. I felt that what I do is so broad that by simplifying it to “By Me.”, I am allowing for future possibilities to be endless. What do I do? Anything “By Me” really. I was recently working in the wardrobe department of Madame Zingara’s Celebration in Cape Town and I have a couple of exciting projects starting soon so watch this space!
- How do you juggle the responsibilities of being a mom with your work?
It isn’t always easy but I just do. Maybe it is my super powers that get me through it all?
- Do you have a business plan? If so, can you share a bit about your strategy to make it successful?
I do have a business plan. I think it is important to supply to the demand; to sell a product that your target market actually wants and not just what you want to make. This is the recipe for success. I shall supply an example: if your village wants green apples but you insist on growing and selling red apples because you love red apples, you are not going to sell many apples.
- How do you get clients/ market yourself?
Mostly on Facebook! I am astounded by how one can run a legitimate business these days by using social media. How did our parents do it?!
- What’s your biggest challenge right now?
I would say that my biggest challenge is juggling life, work, work, work, being a mommy and work.
Oh, and finding a decent nation-wide currier that is well priced.
- Did you need a lot of money to start off? And how long was it before you made a profit?
I did not have a lot of money in the beginning but eventually found a wonderful investor. It took a while but profits were eventually made.
- What makes “By Me” unique from other brands?
I think that By Me. Customised Baby and Kids Range is unique because everything is so completely customised and personalised. I will go out of my way to satisfy a client and even make a product that we have never made before. I recently had a special request for 6 pairs of barefoot sandals. I made 6 beautiful pairs for a satisfied customer and I will be selling them from now on.
Have a look at my Facebook page www.facebook.com/bymebabyrange
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