Gavin Green believes that what you put on your skin is as important as what you put in your mouth. Trained in how to blend organic products, he was frustrated trying to find high quality male grooming products that got to work fast and produced results, so he started
Gavin Green Ltd, creating products that contain only the best ingredients…
PayPal: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
Gavin Green: I recently finished my pop-up at the
Selfridges Old Hotel Makegood Festival where one lady bought nine bags of products! It’s great to be able to get out there, meet customers and talk to them about my products. I was also published in The Times and met some of my biggest business heroes such as Jo Malone and Doug Richards from Dragons’ Den. Reaching the Makegood Festival has been an incredible springboard and it’s great to see the hard work paying off. There’s still a long way to go, but it’s very exciting.
PP: What tips would you give to other small businesses and those thinking of creating their own start up?
GG: First, take action! Actually getting going and doing it is the most important thing. Second, research a business plan. Keep it simple, keep to just one product to begin with. Thirdly, attend as many talks, lectures and networking opportunities as possible. There is so much support out there and it will make a difference but believe in your gut at all times. There’s never been a better time for start-ups, or more encouragement from big businesses and the government so grab that support.
PP: When did you start using PayPal Here?
GG: I started using
PayPal Here at the Makegood festival. It relieved a huge strain on my business. When your business is a start-up the costs are relentless, and a PDQ machine isn’t really a viable option as most are two-year leases. Now I’m able to take payments at festivals, events, key pop-ups, everything. It’s a lifesaver and means I can take card payments and send receipts in one easy app.
PP: How have your customers reacted to PayPal Here?
GG: We were using PayPal online or were taking cash payments before we started using PayPal Here. Customers love being able to pay with their debit or credit card and 90% of my customers pay by card. When they pay they want the process to be seamless and fast and PayPal Here fitted that bill.