Bellezza Italiana is a family-owned business based in Wigan. The business works with popular Italian brands such as Felce Azzurra, Cleo, Malizia Uomo, Vidal and Aquolina to import high-quality cosmetics, toiletries and household products for Wigan’s Italophiles (admirers of Italy; its people, language and culture).
Bellezza Italiana was established in 2012 by Aigars Kaulins and his partner Stintija Krievane. The couple began by selling classic Italian products on Ebay, using business contacts they had built across the continent to source popular items. Today, they run a bricks and mortar shop, representing over twenty Italian brands in the UK. Currently a team of two, Aigars and Stintija have ambitions to grow and offer a larger range of brands to Wigan’s community. We caught up with Aigars to get his advice on building a successful international business…
PayPal (PP): What has been your greatest success?
Aigars Kaulins (AK): Our greatest success is how much we’ve grown Bellezza Italiana. Having started the business only two years ago, we now represent four major Italian companies and over twenty brands in the UK. Our plan is to grow even further in the coming years, represent more Italian brands and offer our customers even more choice!
PP: What advice would you give to other small businesses and those thinking of taking the plunge and creating a start-up?
AK: Be aware that there will be challenges, especially in the beginning. Make sure you choose to build your business in a sector you know well, and that you’re passionate about. Most importantly, put achievable targets and a firm plan in place when you start. That way you can tackle problems as they arise, and work towards your overall goals.
PP: When did you start working with PayPal Here?
AK: We started working with PayPal Here a month ago, as the monthly fees charged by the regular chip and pin machine proved too expensive for a start-up business of our size. PayPal Here is more cost-effective as you don’t have to pay a monthly fee or sign up to a contract.
We also needed a card payment solution that would give us access to the funds immediately, instead of having to wait 7-10 days for them to transfer to a bank account. With PayPal Here, payments transfer instantly.
PP: Has PayPal Here helped your business?
AK: As it gives our customers more choice about their payment method, we see PayPal Here as an important investment in our company’s future. The PayPal name is so well-known that our customers trust it instantly. It is easy to use, efficient in transferring cash and has given us the flexibility to accept payment anywhere.