Ever wondered how someone makes it as their own boss? What it takes to run your own business? Here at VIP we exclusively speak to some of Ireland’s top businesswomen to find out the secret to their success.
This week we’ve been chatting to Nikki Whelan, owner of Little Bow Pip and Back Street Dance Studio, on everything from managing the work/life balance to who inspires her most.
Have you always dreamed of owning your own business?
I think so, It’s hard to remember if actually owning a business was my ambition, I wanted to be an air hostess and own my own dance studio. Growing up our dad always “went to work” where Mam worked from home dressmaking & alterations. Your dreams always seem soooo far ahead when you’re a kid. But my dream was always to have my own dance studio.
What have been your biggest challenges you have faced?
Ive had a few.
1. Making the leap at 21 to sign a 25 year lease for a 5,000 sq ft building, dealing with banks, solicitors & trying to convince business men to take me & my Mam seriously.
2. Surviving the countries worst financial recession even after many “professionals” advising us to close up the business – Back Street Dance Studios.
3. Trying to keep the reigns on a new venture that exploded and took off within 24hours, Little Bow Pip.
4. Continuing on with business after our Mam passed away and taking on her working roles on top of my own.
How do you balance work/home life as a business owner?
Sometimes I feel like I’m on top of it all & the next second I’m a stressed out mess!
It’s taken me a long time to find the right structure that works for us, once I found that structure or routine it makes it a lot more bearable & achievable. That can just be as simple as making the lunches the night before and having the uniforms & after school bags ready at the door.
Do you find that you often bring your work home?
This is something I have been guilty of for many many years but in the last 2-3 years I’ve been forced to realise & prioritise family time. So I try my very best to keep any home work to when the kids are in bed. Its not fair on them, they deserve some Mammy and Daddy time too. This is all part of my new structure and routine I mentioned before.
What advice would you give a young woman who wants to be her own boss?
A question I get asked A LOT!
My very honest advice is, be prepared to work your ass off, nothing comes easy no matter what you think, hear or see, take knocks, have the strength to pick yourself back up & don’t depend on anyone!
Once you’re good with all these points, GO FOR IT! Get your business plan together, set your goals & focus!
How important of a role do your team play in your business?
HUGELY! In all my businesses, my team are everything! It’s taken a few takes to get the team I have now but I’m so blessed with them! Each individual has their own responsibilities and roles which play a massive part in the running and success of a business. My husband Gavin is also a huge part of the team.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started out?
The amount of bills ye have to pay as a business owner. People have the impression when you’re the boss you’re automatically minted. They never told me when I started out you’re the last to get paid & even at that you’d be lucky!
What has been your biggest business mistake? What lessons did it teach you?
Being too trusting, it almost destroyed Back Street & me personally too if I’m being totally honest. I’ve had some of my very close work friends screw me over. It was my fault to allow it happen once too many times. But thank god karma has come back around and we have come out on top.
I’m a very trustworthy person so its very hard to understand why everyone isn’t.
But, take the positive from the negative. I’ve learned by my mistakes & will never make the same mistakes again with my other businesses.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Hmmmmm…. Rather than it being MY biggest achievement I’d rather say OUR biggest achievement because its never just me.
1. Creating a successful Irish Brand – Little Bow Pip .
2. Winning Irelands Got Talent – Back Street Studios.
What woman in business inspires you the most?
People inspire me in general, whether they are a stay at home Mam/Dad, student in school/college, young kids having the courage to take part in after school activities – facing their fears, Mams or Dads who travel away from their families for work, everyone inspires me in so many different ways because we are all different.
I know it probably sounds cringe, but its true. My family inspire me every single day.
What are your plans for the next five years?
Ohhhh…. well firstly most importantly to remain healthy & happy! No business or success is worth it if you’re not. Then to make Little Bow Pip a known worldwide brand & to retire.
All images: @littlebowpip