Starting a Business
So, you want to start a Business?
An interview with Business Owner, Daisy
Daisy is currently studying biology at the University of Sussex. Apart from her love of science, Daisy has always loved designing and creating things. From this, she decided to create her own business ‘Notes and Totes’ where she sells science inspired stickers and giftware aimed at empowering women in STEM. The name ‘Notes and Totes’ came from Daisy’s love of making notes, and the fact that she usually carries around her entire life at uni in a tote bag. Daisy had a career change at 26, which is when she started studying science. She has never been happier and truly believes that if there is something you want in this world, you should run at it at full speed.
I got the opportunity to interview Daisy, asking her questions on matters that many aspiring business owners were curious to know. I would like to thank Daisy for giving up her time to answer these questions and I would also like to thank anyone who asked a question themselves. I hope you find this interview beneficial.
You can find out more about Daisy on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesandtotes/?hl=en
You can purchase Daisy’s products from her website: https://www.notesandtotes.co.uk/
How did you go about setting up your business?
I started my business a little bit at a time. I sort of knew what I was doing because I had another business earlier in my twenties which was my career for 6 years. I started off by picking a name, securing the domain and IG handle and making a rough website design. From there I created my products, took photos and started posting on Instagram. Over time I gained a following and the orders started coming in.
When and how did you know you wanted to start your own business?
I first came up with the idea for my business 3 years ago when I initially attempted uni. The products were slightly different but the idea was the same - inspire and empower women in STEM.
The main chunk of my career has been me working for myself (I ran a driving school in my early twenties), and I always knew it was something I wanted to do again. I loved helping the girls I taught to realise they can be confident on the road, and now it's time to help encourage girls in a different field. Both of my parents run their own businesses, and so it's something I've grown up around as being normal so I guess it feels less daunting as a life decision.
How did you come up with the idea behind your business?
I came up with the idea for my business because I couldn't find what I wanted when I was looking for things to take with me to uni - "create the things you wish existed".
What is a common misconception about business owners?
A common misconception about business owners is that we know it all... whilst we are often experts in our field, there are still things we are always learning.
What do you enjoy most about running and owning your own business?
The thing I enjoy the most about running my business is seeing the happiness and motivation my products bring to my customers lives.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?
The most challenging thing about being a small business owner is being a one woman band - I'm the designer, the social media person, the web person, the maker, the packer, the customer service team, the photographer... on top of being a student, a girlfriend, a daughter, a dog mum...! LOTS OF PLATES TO JUGGLE!
Is this something you would consider full time or is it just a hobby?
This is definitely something I do full time and intend to keep it this way, even when the uni term starts again next month!
Is there something you know now you wish you’d known before starting up your own business?
I wish I had known that mistakes are super common (they will happen but you will learn from them). And that finding a decent supplier is hard!
What is your plan for the future of your business?
I plan for my business to continue growing and expanding, and see it being my full time job when I have finished my degree.
What advice would you give to those wanting to start their own business?
To anyone starting their own small business - do your research. Make sure your name is available, isn't similar to anything else out there (I see so many "businesses" just adding an extra letter on to the end of a name or finding an alternative way to structure the IG handle but ultimately the NAME is the same... this is not OK). Also, make sure your ideas are unique. Do not go copying people, it will not make your business look good because you will get found out.
Thank you for reading!