Business in Profile

Chez Johnson

1. Briefly describe your business.

In late 2007 we were searching for a unique gift for a soon to be niece or nephew. After scouring the internet and visiting numerous Baby websites nothing stood out as being unique. We then found the Zaky Infant Hand Pillow – it was like ‘wow, why didn’t I think of that’.

Having had twins and a two year old as well – we wished we had known about the Zaky Infant Hand Pillow – they would have been very ‘handy’ in so many ways. (excuse the pun)

We are slowly expanding into other gift and handy gadget products, with an outlook to expand into environmentally friendly and natural products in the future. Timing is everything.

2. Why did you start your business?

We purchased a set of Zaky Infant Hand Pillows from Zakeez, Inc. in the United States (the inventors). Once we researched and understood the value and worth (not just monetary) of The Zaky and its uses – we wanted to give all Australians access to the Zaky - without having to pay the exorbitant currency conversion and shipping costs.

We became Retailers for Zakeez, Inc. originally, then the Exclusive Australian Distributor which has allowed us to reduce the costs further – which I am very proud of.

3. Has starting your own business lived up to expectations?

Yes & No. As with any business juggling family life, my husbands business, and work outside of the home as well – sometimes you wonder if it is all worth it. But once you sit back and think – it is worth it – as the saying goes ‘nothing earned, nothing gained’.

4. What have you enjoyed the most about running your own business?

Being the BOSS. Making all the decisions, organising, challenges, the satisfaction when things go right, and learning from trivial mistakes along the way.

Meeting, networking and emailing other Mum’s in Business – We are constantly learning new things.

5. What is the biggest challenge for you in running your own business?

Some avenues of sales we initially believed beneficial to our business and premature babies has not generated as positive a result as we imagined.

Learning on the fly – The www is huge with so much information and so many websites.

When you start a business, get a website and build it, you still need to get people to visit it. Marketing and Advertising our products, where, when, how, can become overwhelming.

The costs associated with advertising and marketing when starting a new business can negate any profits – but without them we could not survive.

6. How do you manage the juggle of running your own business with family?

We work around our children, when they are not at school or care, we are with them. We work our second jobs during the day, then work on our business at night after the boys have gone to bed, we often burn the midnight oil.

A 7hr Sleep is a luxury and relatively unknown to us – but has been this way since having the twins anyway.

7. Do you have a favourite networking opportunity or event?

There are so many great networking sites on the web, which have been life savers at times with questions we have needed answering. Aussie Mums In Business link is a new networking site where you can join whether you have a website or Brick Store, and still have access to blogging, forums, etc. It is also open to anyone – so all mum’s can get to know the Business Mum’s behind the websites they purchasing from.

8. Do you have any advice for anyone out there who may be thinking about starting their own business?

Research – your product – what, where, when, how and why. What you believe is a great product, does not necessarily mean other’s will. Where are the product/s you will be selling, already sold – ie competition.

When will you launch your business, timing is everything, especially in the current economic conditions.

How will you sell, advertise, market your product/s. And of course Why – are you starting a business ‘just because’ or are you passionate, artistic, and yearning to own your own business.

Unless you are willing to work hard and sacrifice leisure time – don’t do it.

Network, network, network – We have met some wonderful, helpful people by networking who will share their secrets, answer questions, support you and give advice – at no cost. Your competitors/peers can often be your greatest asset.

Think outside the Square – often what works for one business may not work for yours, do something different to attract attention – it usually takes a person 6 times of seeing a product before they will actually purchase it.

Have fun and enjoy – there will be difficult times, but push them aside and ‘think positive’ enjoy what you are doing and know with hard work and in time great things will be achieved.

For more information about The Zaky ...click here