So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.
Today’s feature is on an incredible #girlboss! Not only is she a make up artist but she also hand makes the most stunning bridal accessories! Please can I introduce you to the creative and talented Nicole Grant.
If anyone is looking for a make up artist for weddings or events in Cape Town, here is her website! And her bridal accessories, wow! Intricate, elegant and can be customized to your very own taste and uniqueness – this is a incredible local business to support!
Please check out Saffanic Bridal Accessories, here is their website. From veils, garters, jewellery, hair accessories, sashes – all fit for a princess on her special day. Check out her Instagram page for more, and please follow and share the love!
We chatted to the lovely Nicole and she had this to say to us!
How does it feel to be a business owner that loves what they do?
As a hair and make up artist, I have seasonal work so for years in winter I would sit around watching tv and get bogged down by not having any purpose. I one day decided that that was going to change. I was going to start a secondary business that would coincide with what I was already doing. Weddings! I noticed that a lot of my brides were struggling to find one of a kind wedding accessories and had to resort to buying something cheap and imported from Asia. Many would say there were some bespoke items out there but that they were too expensive. So I thought bugger that, I’ll make them myself! It was great for my creativity which usually dwindled in winter and now I had something fun to do each day. And so my business began.
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
It takes money to start a business. Not only did I spend a small fortune on getting materials to make the products but also the website and marketing costs are higher than I first thought.
It’s not going to be successful straight off the bat. You have to work at your craft and learn what works and what doesn’t. Believe me, my first hair pieces were anything but wedding worthy!
You have to put in the time, starting a business isn’t something you can half arse. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and support your dream. And find service providers that work as hard as you do! I made that mistake with my courier company that was utterly useless and in turn made me look bad. Do your homework.
What is your advice to individuals out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Listen, I’m no entrepreneur but sometimes you just have to try! If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out but at least you aren’t going to regret the fact you never even bothered giving it a whirl!
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worthwhile?
When that first item sold. When someone else thinks that what you have made is worth spending their hard earned cash on, there’s nothing better! Support local and small businesses.
Being your own boss. Oh you want to go out for lunch with friends? No problem! Oh you want to go on a holiday? No problem! You have no one to answer to except yourself so as long as you make up the work when you need to, you can pick your work hours.
How has lock down affected you?
Lock down has been hard for me. Since the wedding industry has been shut down I haven’t had work since March. People have been postponing or cancelling their weddings and spending less on luxury items. I have felt very uninspired. I usually got inspiration for my products from weddings I worked on, from lunch dates with friends, from outings around Cape Town. But now that I’m stuck at home all day, I’ve been a couch potato and Netflix fiend. I’ve only recently started feeling inspired again after getting a custom order in which I had to use my creativity again. Now I’m back in action and hoping weddings will start up again sooner rather than later! 2020 you can end already! 😉
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