Wall to wall success...
Please tell us a bit about the nature of your business...
With over 20 years experience in the sign and graphics industry, Nutmeg is a small business creating high quality decorative signs and wall stickers. I’m Adele, founder of Nutmeg. I originally trained as a traditional sign writer, and spent 8 years working for sign makers and graphics companies, where I met my husband. After leaving to have our first child, I decided to work freelance. I used my wall sticker designs to decorate my children’s bedrooms, and friends and family soon caught on to the idea of wall stickers for their own homes and offices. After that, Nutmeg was born! Our unique high quality wall stickers are an easy way to add a personal touch to your home decor. Quick and easy to apply, they can transform your home in a matter of minutes. They can be used on most surfaces, and work especially well on smooth surfaces like walls, doors, and mirrors. Our wide range of colours and styles means that you can find something that truly suits your home.
What inspired you to start your business?
The love of interiors and adding a personal touch to my daughters decor. It was with friends encouragement that I started to sell my wall sticker ideas and here I am 9 years later with a range of over 300 designs to suit all styles.
What was the most challenging aspect of building your business in the beginning?
Staying focused on what I was doing and not comparing myself to others, it was important for me to stay true to my values.
If you were to launch your business again, would you do anything differently?
To be honest I don't think I would do anything different. I have made mistakes along the way but by making these mistakes I have learnt and they have made me wiser. I would invest in good quality photography from the beginning and I think I would concentrate more on my branding.
What keeps you motivated?
Customer feedback keeps me motivated, even the negative as this makes you stop, think and improve on what I do. The variety of what I do as no day is the same. I also love the network of other small businesses and the support they give.
How do you balance work and family life?
It can be difficult but working for myself I can work the hours to suit me and my family. My girls are now late teens and work within the business part time which is lovely and I enjoy having them around.
What’s your proudest business moment?
Moving to my studio in 2014. It suddenly felt more like a business, I still cant believe I am there!!
What’s been your most successful form of marketing and/ or brand awareness?
Social media especially Instagram, love the feel and interaction of this app.
Do you have any positive habits or routines that you feel have attributed to your success?
Try and stay focused; make lists, lists, lists. Speak to other small business owners, take time out and join a networking group to meet like minded people.
What's your favourite business app/ tool/ book/ podcast etc?
I would have to say instagram again and then Mailchimp.
What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs just starting out?
Enjoy what you do and don't compare yourself to others - remember that everyone's journeys are different. Invest in good quality photography and try not to get distracted.
If you want to get in touch or see more of Adele's adventures, head over to her website or social media:
https://nutmegwallartstickers.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/nutmegwallart/
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