Heather runs a online store that sells gifts for men only.

Research showed Heather that no one was catering exclusively to men online, and she filled that gap with Gifts 4 Blokes!

Heather, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

Well, I can’t really say that it was all my own idea! Just before Christmas a few years ago, I got together “with the girls” and over a few drinkies we discussed the hassles of finding men’s gifts and why couldn’t you just buy them in one spot, not have to wander the shops until your feet and head can’t take it anymore. Then they “suggested” why don’t I put together an online store with gifts for men. They thought it would be easy for me as I had trained and worked as a web designer. I think they just thought I could press a button and there would be the solution to their problem of finding men’s gifts.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

They harassed me long enough until I did something!
No, seriously, initially I put the idea to one side, then it began to “niggle” at me, until I started researching the market and realised at that time there wasn’t really an online store doing just men’s gifts. I’d always wanted to go into business for myself someday and I began to think this was an opportunity to use my skills and do something a bit different. And it was a challenge to start something from nothing, and the more work and planning I did, the more excited I got.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

Working in the web industry I knew I had to find a name that would be catchy, search engine friendly and told shoppers what the store was just by them looking at the name. The name popped into my head and I could not believe the domains were available. Next thing I had the credit card out, you have never seen someone register a domain name so quickly.

How is Gifts for Blokes original?

It caters for men’s gifts only, although I have had emails from women saying they had purchased items for themselves… When researching stock we try to think outside the square and try not to have the same old – same old. My husband is a great sounding board and quickly tells me if the idea is a shocker! We focus on the customer and make customer service a priority. Most orders are dispatched within 24hours.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Negativity by suppliers towards online businesses. Firstly we were new and then we were online. Some suppliers had a policy not to sell to online stores. Their other main comment was we might sell on ebay. It took us some time to find the right suppliers who took the time to listen to our concept and come on board with us. We have noticed this attitude is slowly changing as more wholesalers grasp the concept of online shopping and that online stores are really no different from other businesses.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Yes, mainly in the products that we are selling – we have found items that in the beginning we would never have thought of, plus we have some more ideas in the wind, that are currently “top secret”!

 What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Helping people, we often get a desperate email from someone who has a birthday or a groom in “urgent” need of groomsman’s gifts (the wedding is on Saturday!). Really enjoy being able to help them out of a tight spot. Plus you tend to get to know your repeat customers, which is really nice.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

Yes, several women’s forums that are a great help and provide me with inspiration and a laugh!

What are your future goals for Gifts for Blokes?

We have several things on the drawing board at the moment, that are exciting. Yep they’re secret! sorry

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Plan, Plan, Plan – also if you have a partner, their support, encouragement and constructive criticism is really important. But if you have an idea and the drive – just go for it, you never know unless you have a go!

Cate Bolt manages an online store that stocks wonderful lines of sustainable living products.

Cate explains why The Elements at Eumundi and other initiatives are funding The Indonesian orphanage project.

Find out how you can help this project here.

Cate, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
The Elements originally started out as something completely different which changed direction. The Elements was originally going to be a 5 star luxury eco-tourism resort and we insisted that everything that went into it had to be sustainable, organic or in some way more environmentally sensible than its competitors. The products we used were to be available in the resort shop and the online store. In the research process we became so passionate about the earth, conservation and humanity that we decided there were bigger things we should be paying attention to, so we kept the shop as a means of residual income for our new charity.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
I’m just an excited person. Once I get an idea in my head-– it happens. Once I started researching and learning about products I really thought it would be irresponsible to NOT go ahead and do it.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
The Elements At Eumundi – sounds corny but it came from a higher place. We were actually living in Victoria when we started the business; we knew Queensland was where we wanted to be. Something told me Eumundi was “the place” so I basically had decided that was it before I even went there. Luckily when I got there it felt like home and I fell in love immediately!

“The Elements” represents everything I stand for; I’m “at one with the earth”.

How is The Elements at Eumundi original?
I think the main difference is that we run the business now to support the charity. So 50% of the profits go directly to the charity, and the other 50% goes to supporting our family while we run the charity. I think shoppers like to know that what they are buying not only benefits them and the earth, but the profits are going to the greater good as well.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Honestly, we didn’t have any difficulties. I had run a successful online/bricks and mortar retail business for 10 years, so it was fairly plain sailing.

Having a large family means time-management is always an issue. And I guess having to go back to square one with suppliers– not having the leverage of being a recognised successful business with bargaining power.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
Very much – see question 1!

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Working from home and being flexible about when we work. Knowing that what we sell is beneficial to our customers & to the earth and that the money we make is going to a worthwhile cause.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
No, nothing worth mentioning.

What are your future goals for insert business name?
We would like to extend our product range to include my husband’s passion– which is alternate energy. We’re also in the process of extending the alternate therapies section, to include my passion– which is crystal healing. We will be focusing heavily on getting our head lice treatments into Queensland schools for the rest of this school year. We have an awesome product after years of frustration, so we’re taking it to the people!

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Make sure you’re clear in your head what your objectives are when you’re starting a business. Write them down and maybe have them somewhere you can see them every day. It’s ok if they change, but if they are still the same and you’re losing direction, then have the strength to stop yourself.

No amount of money will ever buy the happiness of your children. Make sure you maintain business/family balance and hang out with your kids. It’s always nice to include them in the business, even if it’s in some minor role like arranging your packing supplies.

If you can work side by side it will give them an appreciation for what you do, why you do it and what the rewards are.

Andrea World and Suzanne Webcke stock their online store with those ‘Where did you get that?’ items for parents.

Andrea tells why Mummys Little Helpers stocks only practical parenting products and exclusive pregnancy & birth wear.

Andrea, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

I would get approached daily at the shops by other mums asking me, “Where did you buy that? I really need one of those!” 

I thought, “If I was selling these products, I’d have made a fortune by now…” and so planted the seed about having a business that could sell practical parenting products to other mums.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

We were stay-at-home mums– we threw in our full-time jobs to look after our children. We were considering part-time work, but we wanted to do something we’d enjoy and it had to be flexible. Andrea had been involved in party plan previously and suggested that we sell our products this way. When our research showed that no other party plan business in Australia sold ‘practical use’ products for pregnant mums and small children, we thought, “we’re onto something here!”

Where did the name for your business spring from?

We wanted a name that would let people know immediately that the business related to mums and small children. “Mummys Little Helpers” does that and it also reflects our business philosophy which was twofold: 1. To help other mums find good quality, useful parenting products that will make their life easier and 2. Enabling other mums to join the company as consultants and earn money doing something they enjoy– socialising with other mums and talking about their children.

What makes Mummys Little Helpers different to other similar businesses out there?

It’s now been three years since we set up the business and there still isn’t another party plan company selling the same type of products we do. Most children’s party plan companies tend to focus on clothing or educational books or toys.  Our focus is on practical parenting products that will be used by mums everywhere, everyday. We also undertook never to sell anything that we wouldn’t use ourselves. Unlike some other party-plan companies, we don’t mass recruit and we don’t offer “no cost” or “low cost” consultant kits. We prefer to attract people who are as enthusiastic about the business and products as we are, rather then those wanting to try whatever is the cheapest option. We don’t offer our consultant’s overseas holidays or cars as incentives, just a “family friendly” flexible opportunity to earn as little or as much money as they wish.

Our on-line store follows the same philosophy as our party plan business by limiting the sale of luxury high end items and focusing on practical cost-effective parenting products.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Funding and knowing where to start. Also, all the research and groundwork that is required means that it usually takes 6 to 12 months before you can actually start trading. This can be frustrating when you are keen to get started.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Yes. Originally we were only going to sell our products by way of party plan demonstrations. However, we realised that we wouldn’t be able to reach those mums who didn’t have a consultant in their area. So, six months after we started, we opened our on-line store. This has made us a national company and helped us to reach customers and consultants in areas we couldn’t reach before.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Being able to get out and about and chat with other mums. Also, the challenge of finding new and inexpensive ways to market the business.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

We do belong to a number of business networks that have provided valuable information and contacts. We’ve found that forming strategic alliances with other businesses is the best way to reach new customers.

What are your future goals for Mummys’ Little Helpers?

We hope to take on more consultants in more areas and to develop some of our own products to add to our range.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Don’t start a home based business just because you think it will be easier than going to the office everyday. Being your own boss can be rewarding but it is also a lot of hard work. Endless late nights and hours of unpaid background work can precede business success. You also can never really “work” from home when your children are around (this is something rarely appreciated by those who don’t have children).

You should be super organised and write yourself to-do lists every day so that you can make the best use of any work time you have. Set yourself daily time limits for your work (as you would in an office) so that your business doesn’t become all consuming.

Also, make sure that you have an effective Business Plan in place before you start your business. The old saying “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” is very true. Having said that – always be prepared to change your plans. Circumstances change so flexibility is a must.