Emma Magill (aka Mrs Bubbles) completed the Women In Business NI “Yes You Can” programme with Mallusk Enterprise Park in autumn of 2019.
Below she tells us a little bit more about the programme, how it has helped her and why other women should participate.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. How long have you been trading for etc?
Mrs Bubbles is owned by Katherine Foster and myself. We are in our 3rd year of trading and started off selling just bath bombs from Kathy’s back bedroom in her house, as a hobby. Over the years we have extended our product ranges and we now have a Bricks and Mortar Shop in Larne called the Mrs Bubbles Emporium. We source our products from reputable and assessed UK wholesalers as well as ourselves being chemically assessed for certain product lines and we now have a full bathing range, home scents range, electric warmers and diffusers, personalised gifts and bath bomb making parties.
We love to see our regular customers return and appreciate everyone’s support but we especially love it when a new customer comes in – they are always amazed and excited about what they have stumbled on. We have everything you need for a beautifully smelling home and a blissful bath time.
Why did you take part in the Women In Business programme?
We wanted to improve our business knowledge. We needed to learn and work on the business, learn good business techniques and business accounting.
We also wanted to improve our business social media- everything is changing so quickly!
What were you hoping to get from it?
Personally, I was hoping to make a few new business contacts who I could learn from and also support them. I am always eager to learn new tips and techniques with business when I attend meetings, coffee mornings or courses, not only from the Course Provider, but also the other attendees.
What value do you think being on the programme brought to your business and has it made any significant changes?
The course was invaluable.
Sandra and Colleen’s training was excellent, there was support available for both people interested in starting a business right up to someone who has been in business for 2 years.
You don’t need to know what business you want to do, you just need to know that you are ready for a change and I know that starting your own business and being your own boss is the answer!
I learned a lot about social media and business. Niamh Taylors’ training was unbelievable, and I am still in a support group with her through Digital 24 – the support doesn’t stop when the course is over. With social media, it’s always changing so it is great to still have the support.
I loved to hear from all the mentors that helped throughout the course. Specifically – to our business I loved to hear from the ladies who owned:
-Bargain Books
-Dudes and Divas
–The Learning Mole
We improved our shop layout – having Sandra as a mentor was amazing – with her experience it was great to have 1-2-1 time with her. A fresh and skilled eye to look around the business was excellent. ( I would for love her services monthly )
Personally, I have kept in contact with 6-8 of the ladies from the course. I support them and they support me. I still have the support of Sandra and Colleen – Zoom Catch ups and surprise visits.
We received help and advice during Covid-19 on how to keep the shop safe.
What would you say to anyone that is thinking of signing up to the Course?
Do it!! I absolutely recommend this course. The knowledge, the support, the training, the mentors and the services offered when the course is over.
If you are thinking of starting or have already started your own business – sign up to this course.