{Momentrepreneur} Meet Nicola: Personalised Products to Match the Client's Demand

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.