This week enterpreneur:Homebiz to Shopspace

This week will be a pleasure to show you how from a homebiz with little capital to a shop space at a prominent shopping center.

Learn from another coming entrepreneur. May her sharing will give us many tips and learning opportunities.

Lets hear it now:

Name: Emmiellia Arip

Age: 36

URL: http://www.qispetals.com.sg

1) What kind of business do you have? What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I manage a Fresh flower business for all occasions. Mainly, my passion for fresh flowers pushed me further into the business since 2003.

2) Did you need to have a certain mindset to achieve success?

You must love what u do. Love it unconditionally, from your heart. You must find yourself learning something new- no matter how small- each day when you’re at it. Learn even from the tiniest mistakes in the business. You must believe, little things matters- it completes the big picture; also because you’re part of the service industry. That’s a big deal in Singapore, especially. Insya’allah u’ll go far.

3) Have you noticed certain advantages to being an entrepreneur?

Everyday, you present yourself to others in related industries. They begin to notice you in the market. You get to know them and able to identify how u can serve them through your business. They in turn gives u the support u need to boost your business. Then come the recommendations of your services to others they know. The effects and results happen much quicker.

4) Is it difficult to get financing for businesses? If so, why and are there any solutions?

Yes, it is. There are too many procedures, clauses and processes. but that’s the way it is here in Singapore. These are for checks and control purposes and we’re legally bound to them. Best to have your own financial support, before you go into one.

5) Did you have a mentor to help you get started?

I do not have a mentor, but I do have strong and full moral support from very few people who are close to me and believe in my skills. They got me this far. I got started as soon as I realise I’m passionate about flowers and only after taking up courses and working for a flower shop and at a hotel’s in- house florist department as a part- timer, over a period of time- then I was sure and confident to go further.

6) Approximately how much money did you invest before your business became profitable?

I was at a home based business from 2003, and after 5yrs, I’ve recently upgraded the business to a shop unit. So back in 2003, I did not invest much. I ran at very low costs, running the business from a room at home. About $2,000 to buy the flower fridge, basic materials and equipments. Less than 2months, I manage to cover the amount after deducting costs. For now, the amount is many times over, and I hope to recover by 1st half, next year. Insya’allah.

7) What resources were most helpful to you when you were starting your business?

Books, courses, web browsing, informative materials, supplier resources and lots of moral support from my husband- the most important factor, above all worldly reasons. Alhamdulillah.

What ways have you found to be most effective in marketing your product or service to get sales?

Self marketing. Go out, meet people, identify potentials, propose and close sales. Then comes word- of- mouth. It’s almost magical.

9) What tips can you give others who want to embrace their dream but, don’t have the confidence or feel they don’t have what it takes to succeed?

You won’t know till u try. It’s pure common sense. If you choose to feel those ways, you won’t make it- simple. Your confidence must be at a reasonably high level, enough to push you forward all the time. Otherwise, you’ll remain in dreamland.

10) How do you manage juggling the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur?

Loving what I do helps tremendously. I’ve got to manage or I won’t do well.

11) What’s next for you?

Building my customer database at a speed fast enough to recover the capital put in; at the shortest possible time and continue building it to sustain and improve my business consistently. Insya’allah.