UKBF user name: 4little1sReal name: Christianne James
Company name: 4little1s.com
Company website: www.4little1s.com
Company contact: sales@4littles.com
How did you start your business?
I set up 4little1s.com to juggle a busy home life with children and pay school fees. I looked at some part time jobs but just could not work out a good home/work balance. Starting a business seemed a good idea and thought I should at least work in an area I know about from experience
What products or services does your business offer?
We offer a wide range baby gifts for new parents, ranging from a little keepsake box, wooden and soft toys as well as our very popular baby hampers. One of our favourites are the baby clothing bouquets, a wonderful bunch of flowers with baby clothes in them. Finally, we have recently added a range of modern and contemporary nursery furniture which is proofing to be very successful.
What were the main challenges you faced when setting up your business?
The main challenges were along the lines of finding a web designer that we felt comfortable with in terms of price but also understanding of what we were looking to achieve. Also refining the behind the scenes processes such as Terms and Conditions and the delivery process took a lot longer than we initially thought
How would you rate the success you've achieved?
When we look back at the sheer volume of work completed in such a short space of time we can hardly believe it. We are very proud to have achieved the point we are currently at and continue to strive towards the future. I don’t think any business can afford to stand still
Why should customers and clients use your services?
We are competitively priced, knowledgeable of our products and reliable. Our ‘handmade for you’ products are made exclusively for us in California and we ship them to your door in the UK. If you are looking for a unique product, this range offers it.
How has UK Business Forums benefited your business?
UK Business Forums has benefited us in a number of ways. It has been an excellent area to learn and find out about new ideas, get people’s opinions and share information with a community of like minded people. Finally, a number of contacts and networking opportunities have been used.
What are your plans for the future?
We would like to build the business further and negotiate some better deals to buy at wholesale. I would like to get out more to source products and attend more trade fairs to see what is available. Designing our own brand and range of baby bedding is another idea.
What are your three tips for business success?
I guess to pinch a well know sports trainers strap line, ‘Just do it’ would have to be my first, don’t underestimate the sheer volume of work to get going would be the second. Finally, the third would probably be to do something you enjoy.
