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10th Birthday Celebration

10th birthday becky broome

It’s officially Becky Broome’s 10th anniversary! Ten years in business is a huge accomplishment and so to mark this milestone occasion I have asked our founder and director Becky Murray about the journey the business has been on since its beginning. Plus, as a thank you for all of the support from you, our wonderful customers, we are offering an extra 10% off our summer sale with the code BIRTHDAY10.

 

When did you decide that you wanted to set up your own business or has that always been your aspiration?

I’d decided whilst at university that I wanted to create my final 3rd year collection as the starting point for the first collection for my business.  I was studying Embroidery and originally, I designed kitchen textiles and homewares.

I didn’t really consider getting a job.  I did some work experience at small companies whilst at university and it just cemented the fact that I wanted to run my own company.  I also knew it would be much harder to start the business once I had become reliant on a steady wage or had a mortgage to pay.  I was still living with my parents at the time and I just thought I should really give it a go now.  I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to try and make a success for the business before having children as I’ve always wanted to be a mum and be as present as possible.  Starting the business in my early twenties just seemed the most logical plan.

 

How has the business developed since 2009?

Becky Broome has been a tale of two halves so far.  When I graduated in the summer of 2009, all I had was the prototypes for the first Becky Broome textile collection which I’d made myself.  My aim was to sell to the wholesale market, as well as retail, so I wanted to outsource all of the printing and manufacturing of the products.  I spent the rest of that year researching, making contacts in the industry, having samples produced, creating a website, photographing the products.  Literally everything was done by me!

When it came to launching the glassware collection in 2013, I had the idea in May, launched a small non personalised range to the wholesale market in July which was mainly glass Christmas decorations, mirror coasters and placemats.  The customers seemed to be much more excited about the glassware than our textile collection which gave me an inkling I was onto a good idea.  We launched a small collection of personalised and non-personalised products to the retail market in September on Notonthehighstreet.com.  These were more usable products such as wine glasses, whisky tumblers etc.

Sales just skyrocketed and we had to work seriously hard to keep up.  The textile side of the business gave way to the demand for the personalised glass products.  And guess what?  We didn’t really know how to etch glass when we started!  Sometimes it’s just better to start and let your customers guide you.

 

Who is your biggest inspiration in business?

Professionally, I really admire Jo Malone.  Her story is so inspirational, building up a global brand, selling it to Estee Lauder and being locked out of the game for 5 years to eventually go back to her roots and open a shop with her new fragrance business Jo Loves.  The passion she has for her work is immense and I love the way she wants to challenge the industry.

 

What do you think is your greatest achievement or proudest moment so far?

There have been so many amazing moments so far but one of the proudest was seeing our Personalised Drinks Wine Glass featured on a billboard in Manchester and Liverpool.   That was a real ‘pinch me’ moment!

 

What advice would you give to others wanting to set up their own creative business?

In my opinion, you definitely don’t need a business degree or qualification.  Obviously, you need to have an understanding of business, profit, accounts etc.  I’ve learnt about business by just doing it.  Don’t put an idea or dream off because you don’t feel totally ready.  Sometimes you’ve got to bite the bullet and just go for it.  You’ll learn the most from any mistakes you make anyway.

Don’t be afraid to be ambitious, whatever that means for you.  Whether that is creating a business that is successful enough to support yourself or building a brand that is recognised nationally or even globally.  Don’t limit yourself, think big and don’t be afraid.  You are more likely to regret something you didn’t do as opposed to something you did.  We are constantly thinking of ways to progress our business.  Even if you are doing well there is always room for improvement, another level you can reach.  Be adaptable, if you want to grow your business you have to constantly change and enhance the way you do things.

 

How do you find balancing being a business owner with family life?

I live and breathe the business but I’m also a mum so it’s tricky to find a balance.  To be honest I’m not sure there ever can be a perfect balance!  It’s a constant juggle and there are good weeks and bad weeks!

 

What do you attribute the success of your businesses to?

I think a few years ago when you said ‘etched glass’ it conjured up royal blue faux satin lined boxes and dated inscriptions on glassware.  We wanted to bring a fresh, contemporary design appeal to etched glassware.

We design gifts that customers want to give, part of the value of our products lies in the experience of giving and sharing that special moment together.  Our products are intended to be used on a day-to-day basis, as well as for special occasions. We’re bringing something fun and special to mealtimes (and drink-times), and providing memories of special occasions that can be remembered on a daily basis.  Many of our products are cheeky and witty, but this also extends to our brand as well.

Our products promote the idea of luxury and indulgence: that extra measure or a glass of bubbly for a special occasion. Because our products are designed to be used regularly, we’re helping people to bring a touch of luxury into their lives – and it’s accessible.

To stay competitive, we are constantly developing new designs and sourcing new products.  We don’t ever stay still, we are constantly moving the business forward, giving our customers new products to fall in love with.

 

Of all the products you have created over the years what is your favourite and why?

This is a tough one!  I love our best selling measures design as it was really was the starting point to the business really taking off.  It’s such a simple idea but so many people relate to it.  I also love our Personalised Name Water Bottle.  I love that we are helping, even though it is in a very small way, to reduce plastic waste.  Every little helps as they say!

 

Do you have a message for all the customers that have bought from you over the last ten years?

Gosh, where do I start, I feel so emotional!  Just… thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.  Every single order has helped us to grow our business and we can’t thank you enough for supporting us.  Whether you have been a loyal customer of ours for a while or have only just discovered us, I hope we can help you find your perfect gift for those memorable moments in your life for many more years to come.

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