If We Can, You Can

Author:

Nicky Gray

Business:

Kiki's Kabin

Published:

12/11/2008 11:40:00

Before I started my business I was working in car sales. I felt really held back by my young age and gender, and I knew I needed a bigger challenge.

I’d never thought about running my own business but it wasn’t until one day my dad said to me, “You’ll never be happy until you’re working for yourself.” I knew if he believed in me, I could do it!

Ideas were flying around my head- at first it was a subway franchise, then a beauty salon, and it wasn’t until I took my two year old nephew to a soft play area that I knew what my idea would be.

After six months of intense research, I spotted a big gap in that market and I knew I was the right person to fill it. I aspired to provide a unique family facility that brought fun into quality family time.

I wanted to be known for fantastic facilities, great value for money, and excellent home cooked delicious food! I went to Building up Business for some help with my business plan and I had a fab business advisor who helped me to shape my vision.

Kiki’s Kabin is an indoor soft play area and café that sells smiles, memories and a safe place for children to play while their parents can relax. Over three floors there is plenty of fun for children aged 0-12, from ball pools to assault courses to bouncy castles, we cater for anyone!

My biggest challenge has been my age (I was 19 when I started my business), and I still find it to be a challenge at times. No one believed in me when I was setting up, no one took me seriously, and when I tried to take on staff I found that everyone was put off and didn’t want to work for someone so young.

The only way I get round this is when people get to know me and understand that even though you are young you can be a success! Until I sit down and share my story, no one understands the journey I have been through.

My family have always been there to support me, although they’re probably sick of hearing about Kiki’s now as it’s all I talk about! It’s also been great to be recognised for my achievements- I first won the North Tyneside Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, then went on to win the North East Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, coming third in the UK finals plus picking up a judges’ commendation and audience award for best elevator pitch.

Recently I came runner up for Best Newcomer of the Year and was short listed for Inspirational Business Woman of the Year. I’m in London this week as I’ve made the final for Woman Entrepreneur of the Year! The business has become bigger and better than I ever imagined and I love it!

It does however rule my life. At the start I was working 90 hours a week and on average after two years I still work seven days a week. But if you’re passionate about idea and work really hard, it will be the best thing you have ever done. Everything in my business cost more than expected, took longer than expected, and was much harder than expected, but it has been greater than expected.

The only mistake I regret is taking on the wrong staff, the ones that have stolen from me and the ones that have taken the mic. Don’t get me wrong, I have made more mistakes, but I wouldn’t change the way I’ve done things as it’s been a great learning curve. The more challenges I face the better entrepreneur I am!