Read about how Abbie went from over-researching for “the right thing to do” to letting go and launching her business with a more relaxed approach. There are two elements to her business – an online store and design services. Abbie is just at the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey and she shares what she’s learned so far…
Abbie Lodge // Studio Savvy // Interiors and E-Commerce // UK // 20’s
What motivated & inspired you to start your business?
Business is something I always wanted to be a part of since my first attempt as a teen. I knew from the jobs I had that I was unfulfilled, and a 9-5 was not the life for me. The universe nudged me and I found a job in interiors and found something I was good at and enjoyed. I knew this was where I was to start my business life. I am inspired daily to be a visionary, empowered and a leader. For me, to lift others and leave positivity through the process is one of the most rewarding things in my life.
What steps did you take to get things going in the beginning?
For years I had played about with going into business. I had extensively researched into many areas. I found myself almost needing to find the “right” thing for me to do. This time with Studio Savvy it was different. I let go and I took more of a relaxed approach. I began by reading a book in August 2016 called She Takes on the World. I took pointers from the book and created a list of everything I required to launch. I then proactively started in September 2016 on working through the list starting with logo design and business plan, which was finalised in the first week of December 2016. I set myself a date to launch so I would not procrastinate and on the 31st of January, my business was live. I found that giving myself targets to work towards created an easy approach to build the basis of my business. I am only early on in my business and I’m finding new things that help me all the time.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has been key for me. Instagram and the use of hashtags allows me to get to potential customers immediately. I get to gather feedback on products and determine what would be popular. I have plans to continue with other avenues including working with influencers and teaming with companies in my area to build my customer base.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
I would say the biggest challenge has been gaining customers. I continue with social media to help build this and try different solutions and ways to build it up. My attitude is key, I am tenacious and don’t easily give up. I think as a start-up it’s easy to be discouraged, you have to work on not getting discouraged and continue to push.
Can you tell us about any habits you have/things you do, which set up success every day?
I start my day with affirmations. This sets me up for the day, I feel empowered and able to achieve anything. I continue them through the day and before I go to sleep. I also start my work with the most daunting task of the day and work down the list so that I start my day feeling accomplished.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
to believe in yourself. Although the concept can be difficult, it’s the self-belief that will get you through. You can carry yourself in every peak and troth, knowing you can handle it.
When I face a big challenge, I…
give myself some positive self-talk. If I gear myself up enough, the chances are I’ll go for it.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done as an entrepreneur is…
starting. Getting over the doubt and fear and pushing though it all is hard work and requires leaps of faith.
If I could go back in time to when I started my business I would tell myself…
that patience is a virtue. Value each moment, the positive and the character building.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
that I have the ability to do anything so don’t hold back and do whatever my heart desires.
My favourite business tool/resource/book/podcast is…
A combination of the books: She Takes on the World and The Secret.
My favourite quote is…
“She slept with wolves without fear, for the wolves knew a lion was among them.”
