Enterprise Nation

Juliet Hambro has a lovely home business life. She resides part time in Spain/part time in California, and from houses in both locations runs the website www.grannylook.com. We ask Juliet how it all started and if she has advice for others considering the same path.  

When did you start www.grannylook.com? 

Research for Granny Look started in the summer of 2006 and 'she' went live in July 2007.

What does the site do?

The site gives tips and updates on toys, games, gifts, trips, holidays and safety in and around the home. She researches gifts and games for different festive occasions and has some special advice for Grandparents when travelling or spending time with their grandchildren. Granny Look is now, along with other grandparents, able to keep up with the latest popular toys and games for children ages 0-12, boys and girls.  Shopping for my grand daughter, now nearly five is MUCH easier!

What were you doing before becoming your own boss?

Working in the fashion world, selling Italian knitwear in the UK

Did you move to Gibraltar and then start the business?

No, I’ve lived part time in Spain for over 10 years now and the company is registered in Gibraltar. The winter is spent in California, doing research. I have a big following in the States; there are many more internet - savvy grandparents over in the US, who spend a lot of time online.

Can you describe to us your working routine?

I work in the mornings answering emails, run errands in the afternoon and after 8pm add the new Features, Reviews and Newsletters. Two monthly newsletters, one from the USA and one from the UK .... Weekends are FREE!

From a base in Spain, how are you promoting the site to a UK audience?

Starting to promote through affiliates and adverts, plus I am asked to do TV interviews in the UK – I made an appearance on Breakfast TV which helped with marketing a lot! In May I’m also going to start writing a monthly newsletter for Andalucia Life,  a magazine in Spain that has a big following here amongst the english speaking community

What piece of advice would you give to someone who’s considering starting a home business outside the UK?

I can only quote my experience of a business online...

• Listen to lots of advice
• Don't spend too much money to begin with...... it isn’t necessary
• Keep  as much of the business as  possible conducted in the UK – including things like servers, hosting and SEO

Juliet Hambro talks to Emma Jones

Juliet pictured here with a happy customer from the US! 

• Grannylook.com