Cheeky Tots

Our next Ms. Biz is Helen of Cheeky Tots.  Please stop by her place on the web for some great items for babies and kids.

Q: What kind of business do you have?  (what you sell, service provided, etc.)

Helen: We are an online baby and children’s store, we sell a wide range of products including: modern cloth nappies, nappy making fabrics, baby and infants clothing, nappy bags, children’s novelty name plaques, blankets, soft toys and other misc children’s products. We also specialise in embroidered clothing.

Q: What is your best selling product?

Helen: One of our biggest sellers are our range of children’s novelty name plaques, they are available in many fun designs and are personalised with each child’s name.

Q: How did you come up with the name?

Helen: The store was originally called “Cheeky Bots” which was focused around cloth nappies. I then changed the name to Cheeky Tots to be more general, as our product range grew.

Q: When and why did you start your business?

Helen: I started the business after having my son 15 mths ago, I loved the idea of working from home whilst looking after my family. My background is in sales and marketing so it was easy to make the transition into internet trading. I had been a seller on eBay for several years before opening my website in the middle of last year.

Q: What was the biggest obstacle you faced?

Helen: Initially it was being taken seriously by suppliers. It’s very hard to become a stockist when you are still establishing yourself in the marketplace. Also setting up the website and finding suppliers can be very daunting at first as it’s hard to know where to start.

Q: What motivates you to keep going?

Helen: My customers. I have many repeat customers and the more sales that I get, the harder I work. I believe in offering a very high standard of customer service so it’s very rewarding when this is acknowledged.

Q: Advice for other women wanting to start their own business or ones who are just beginning?

Helen: Do your research first before rushing in and spend a little money initially to get a good set-up for your website and be prepared to spend many hours setting your business up. Be willing to learn as you can save time and money by doing alot of the groundwork yourself. Finally, be patient. It is not an overnight thing, it can take many months of hard work before reaping the rewards.

Q: What would you like the readers to know about you?  (Your background, hobbies, the little things you find important, etc).

Helen: Originally from the UK, I now live in Melbourne, Australia with my husband and 16 month old son. Our second child is due at the end of this year. I have a creative and arty nature and I love all things colourful, which is why Cheeky Tots has such a bright, fun website. I also enjoy sewing and making products to sell (when time permits!) and I have plans to develop this side of my business in the future. I consider myself to have a fun, easy going nature and I thank my parents for teaching me to have respect for others.

Q: Do you have a coupon code or special that you have going on or would like to offer to the readers?

Helen: Cheeky Tots ships world-wide and we are offering all readers 10% discount off all products until 6/30/2008. Enter discount code FEATURE into the checkout to redeem your discount (cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer).

Thank you very much, Helen, for taking the time to answer our questions!