Small Business Spotlight: D.I.Y Beads
D.I.Y Beads is a travelling mobile bead shop, which sells its colourful array of beads at fetes, fairs and festivals throughout the year. We spoke to owner Kate Seagraves to find out more...
PayPal: What have been your greatest successes? How have you achieved them?
Kate Seagraves: Three years ago when I was exhibiting at a small festival I was approached and asked if I would be interested in selling at NewWine, a national Christian gathering, in Shepton-Mallet. I’d always wanted to sell my beads there and this year D.I.Y. Beads exhibited at the two week festival for the very first time, which was a great experience.
PP: What advice would you give to other small businesses and those thinking of taking the plunge and creating a start-up?
KS: Whatever you choose to sell, make sure you’re passionate about it. I talk to a lot of people about my business. If you are not enthusiastic or don’t really believe in what you sell, it can be repetitive and boring for the customer. My best advice would be to figure out who your customer is first, what their interests and habits are, then see what need your product might be able to fulfil.
PP When did you start using PayPal Here and why?
KS: I discovered PayPal Here at a great pop up festival event in London called the
Makegood Festival. I knew it would be useful for the big shows I sell at! Before PayPal Here I was only taking payments in cash and cheques and it was easy to miss sales if my customers didn’t have the right change with them. My customers have really appreciated being given the option to pay by card and have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use PayPal Here. It’s also great that they can have a receipt either by email or straight to their phone via text.
PP: Has PayPal Here helped your business?
KS: It has helped by taking safe card payments – it’s so easy to transfer money to my bank account. Plus, it also helps me with invoicing and receipts, tools that are so helpful for a start-up business.
Imogen Howat