What’s your name and designation?

My name is Mariaan. I’m the buyer & online store manager at That Little Shop.

Tell us about your journey. How did you get started with your business and what inspired you to do so?

When I joined the new ownership, That Little Shop pivoted its product range from DIY party décor to Homeware, Home Décor & Gifts. My background was in the beauty industry (professional hair & makeup), but as Covid hit, I was unable to operate my own business and was looking for something to keep me busy (and as an outlet for my creative side). By the time the beauty industry opened up again, I had come to the realisation that I much preferred the new challenges of where I was now. I ended up staying and throwing myself fully into nurturing and growing That Little Shop.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business and how did you overcome them?

When I first jumped in at That Little Store, the administrative side of things was a challenge. Many different people have worked on the site including no proper handovers at that stage. It was quite a challenge to find basic things like supplier details, product details, etc. to know what is going where, and how it all works. I have since been working at getting that side organised, as a clean and uncluttered environment can help promote focus, efficiency, and overall effectiveness in work or tasks at hand. It will also make things easier for us if we want to hand the management role over to someone in the future as we further grow the business.

What unique aspects of doing business in South Africa would you highlight (good or bad)?

I would say that on the positive side, we have a diverse population with a growing middle class, which creates opportunities across various sectors. And on the negative side, especially for small businesses, the energy crisis presents a lot of challenges.

How do you differentiate your business from competitors?

Because we are a small family-run business, we offer a more personal touch or connection to our customers during their online shopping experience, being available personally every step of the way to assist or answer any questions. Our most important focus is on delivering the best possible customer service and experience.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in growing your customer base?

Consistency and excellent customer service are extremely important. Word of mouth is still one of the best marketing one can get, even in this digital age.

What’s one mistake you made early on that you wish you could go back and fix?

Being too trusting of suppliers when onboarding them and not putting a written agreement in place to cover us somewhat when being let down by said suppliers.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a business owner?

It is always great to see any project that you take on grow and succeed.

How do you approach innovation and staying relevant in your industry?

It’s important to keep an eye on trends through the usual online channels, but we also try to see what is new out there by physically going to expos like Decorex, etc.

How has your business adapted to the digital age, and what advice would you give to others looking to do the same?

Being an online store (no physical store premises) we have always been digital but there are constantly new online channels developing and popping up that you could use for brand awareness and to market your business. You can also make use of all the amazing AI tools that are developing at breakneck speed at the moment, to help you do certain tasks quicker and therefore more efficiently.

What advice do you have for someone just starting a business in South Africa?

When starting a business in South Africa, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the market, know your competition and develop a solid business plan. Additionally, building strong networks and relationships, both within the business community and with potential customers, can greatly contribute to the success of your venture.

For more information, visit That Little Shop’s Listing.

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