We caught up with Rainbow Hart from The Splats, a new range of waterproof footwear for kids. We asked her a
few important questions…
What made you start your business?
I regularly ask myself what made us think we could start this business! We had no previous experience in the kids footwear market but saw a niche and started the ball rolling, 2 years later we are about to launch.
Have you been entrepreneurial from a young age?
I have always been entrepreneurial, this is my 3rd business (not including selling ice poles at school to make my dinner money), i absolutely love the feeling of taking an idea and making something real and tangible. I also am much happier working for myself in my own time and having flexibility to be around for my kids.
How much effort was needed to start the business?
Launching a business will always take effort and sacrifice, for me the effort was a pleasure as the feeling of pushing something forward is very satisfying. The sacrifice was pretty painful for this business as i have had to sell quite a lot of precious jewellery and my vintage clothing collection to raise the start up funds. Sob!
Did you need money to start or were you able to bootstrap yourself?
In the early stages we needed very little money, we were able to bootstrap and call in favours but as the idea and the brand grew we needed to raise substantially more, which i have to say was not as hard as we thought it would be so don’t let it put you off. There are still a lot of entrepreneurial spirits out there who want to support new businesses and will take a punt on a great idea.
How important is long term vision to business?
{AF template=round_quotes} The long term vision is very important, there are many things you will need to prepare for so you really do need to know what might be round the corner. {/AF} Your vision must also be flexible as even with the best laid plans things have a way biting you in the butt.
Why should students start a business right now?
{AF template=round_quotes} Students should start a business now because there has never been a better time to get to it. {/AF} The internet has made it very cheap and very quick to start doing business. Collaboration is the way forward! Also www.smarta.com was our bible in the early days, keeping me fueled with inspiration and great advice.