Meet the Enterprise Nation member: Havana Glam
Posted: Fri 22nd Jun 2018
Fashion entrepreneur Kimberly Sanderson became a member of Enterprise Nation through our partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
The founder of Havana Glam, an affordable and trendy women's fashion boutique, is about to open a store in Surrey. She shares her story and her big plans for the future.
_**Join Enterprise Nation today and become part of an amazing community of small business owners.**_
How did you come up with your idea and turn it into an actual business?
It is a dream I have had for a long time.
When the premises I have had my eye on for years became vacant I just knew it was time to turn my dream into a reality. I did alot of research online and with my target demographic to put my business plan together.
When I saw the 'To Let' sign up, I immediately called the landlord and requested a meeting. He loved my idea and the local businesses had hated that the other enquiries he had received were all fast food related. He agreed to sign over the lease to me.
Explain how you secured the funding for your business.
I presented a well researched and crafted business plan to a select few investors, it was difficult as all three wanted to invest,
I took advice for which one would suit my business needs and then applied to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council for a small business grant to cover the costs of the launch. Luckily I was successful.
What start-up challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
I am quite lucky that I have a wealth of experience in business administration, marketing, PR, social media management and website building but the hardest thing for me was the financial forecasts. I had a free consultation with an accountant I have worked with for a while who was able to guide me in the right direction.
What has been your biggest achievement with your business so far?
Being awarded the business grant was a huge win. Now it's just getting the final pieces of the puzzle in place ready for the launch!
What is your next big business goal?
I'd like to offer additional services in store. Ideally, a one stop shop for ladies who love fashion, beauty and Prosecco to chill out in!
What do you think will be your biggest challenge getting there?
Raising the funds to expand and re-develop the space in store whilst also working remotely for my marketing agency and being a single parent of two boys.
A post shared by Havana Glam (@havanaglamuk) on Jun 19, 2018 at 1:35pm PDT
How has Enterprise Nation helped your business?
I only joined this week but signed straight up for a webinar about Facebook algorithms which was incredibly insighful. I am going to sign up to every webinar I can!
Which other entrepreneur inspires you and why?
Quite a few of my friends are entrepreneurs running their own successful businesses. I have alot of respect for the single parents entrepreneurs that I know too. It's not easy playing mum, dad and business person!
What are your three tips for business success based on your experiences so far?
Research is key.
If there is something you're stuck on, there are lots of willing people out there who will help; you just need to be brave enough to ask!
Networking in person and online is the key to meeting people that become valuable to your business and your strength as a person.
Anything else you would like to share?
A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat.
If you're running a fashion business, the Fashion Exchange in London on 6 July is a must attend event! Find out more and book your place here.
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