Steve Mbara

Name:

Steve Mbara

Business:

Designer I.D

Web site:

Years in business:

1

Number of businesses:

1

Growing up I had my mom running her own market stall and I would always help whenever possible. It also happens that she traded mens’ wear and from that moment I always had a desire to run my own business.

When I moved to Newcastle there was nowhere in town where I could go and get urban clothes. This made me really want to exploit the market and set up a business that I created from scratch.

I went to Business Link and got advice on how I should write my business plan and find the right location for my business.

As this is my first business, I had to make sure everything was in order and I was targeting the right market. I did some research on shops available to let and I ended up speaking to the Newcastle Property Services team.

They told me they had new shop units in Eldon Square available to let. This was a new development and I decided the location was central and best for my business and target market.

I started trading a year ago and in the shop I sell urban men’s wear, ranging from t-shirts, jeans, hats and hooded tops.

In the beginning, I needed to get people to know that I was trading and build a big following among the first customers and the potential ones.

The main challenge I faced was marketing and promotion, getting the right-targeted market to know about my business. I had to hand out flyers, put posters up, advertise in magazines such as Crack and websites like Facebook and Myspace. I also got to speak to local nightclub DJs who were willing to help in promoting my business.

My biggest mistake was that when I started I think I expected too much too soon. But I realised after speaking to my business advisor that every new business needs time to develop. I also think I should have had my e-commerce website designed earlier, just when I started trading.

I’m always thinking of things that can improve my business. Before I always had free time on weekends but now I have to use my spare time to promote my business. Every spare time I have I see it as an opportunity to try and move the business forward.

My biggest success is being able to say I have had a year trading since I’ve opened. Now, because the business has taken off, I’m looking to expand and move to a bigger and better location.

If you’re thinking about starting up, believe in yourself and have the confidence to approach established business people/advisors for advice and help.

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