I've Finally Gone and Launched!

[Deleted member 281791]

Hello fellow UK Business Forum Warriors. I've been a member here for years as I have always wanted to launch my own business. To me, it was always about needing the money to start or thinking I didn't have the necessary skills. Imposter syndrome can be a very real thing.

This week I finally just launched, after a few months of planning and prep, I launched Ulster Blinds. Based in Northern Ireland and shipping all over the UK, making made-to-measure window blinds.

My background has always been in retail management. Back in 2014 to 2016, I studied part-time while working full-time learning the ins and outs of e-commerce management, marketing, and more. I got working for some great companies, putting my new skills to use, earning someone else a lot of money. I even worked for a window blind company, which I had to learn inside and out working in both their marketing and e-commerce divisions in management roles. This is where I got the bug for window blinds.

My advice to anyone on the fence, or waiting for the perfect time to launch their business, is to simply launch. The perfect time is now.

 

[Socio South West]

Best of luck with your venture Andrew!

The best feeling for me when I have started businesses has been when you start making payments after your first sales come in and then you know cash is flowing,

Keep us updated

 

[WaveJumper]

Wishing you every success well done

 

[Ozzy]

Congratulations! I remember for me my best moment was receiving my first cheque (yes old fashioned cheque) from my first customer paying my first invoice. Such a buzz.

 

[fisicx]

Exciting times ahead and hope it all goes well for you.

My only concern is the competition. You can buy custom made blinds from a number on online resources. The last ones we brought were ordered and delivered within 3 days. And very good value for money.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Congratulations and well done on taking the brave step of starting your own business.

You're in the right place for any help and guidance on making it a success

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Good luck!

 

[fantheflames]

Congratulations, Andrew! It’s inspiring to see someone take the leap from dreaming to doing. Thanks so much for sharing! It's nice to see positive posts like this, and of course, keep pushing forward in the right places.

 

[Deleted member 281791]

Best of luck with your venture Andrew!

The best feeling for me when I have started businesses has been when you start making payments after your first sales come in and then you know cash is flowing,

Keep us updated

Thank you. I now have my first paying customers. An exciting time for me. Can't wait to see this grow.

 

[Deleted member 281791]

Exciting times ahead and hope it all goes well for you.

My only concern is the competition. You can buy custom made blinds from a number on online resources. The last ones we brought were ordered and delivered within 3 days. And very good value for money.

I see competition as a good thing. Lots of things these online companies don't do that I can. Just about carving that niche, and really identifying my customer. I am not in a race to be the best quote. I am certain cheaper options are out there but that's not my business model.

Bottom line, bring on the competition I say.

 

[Deleted member 281791]

Congratulations, Andrew! It’s inspiring to see someone take the leap from dreaming to doing. Thanks so much for sharing! It's nice to see positive posts like this, and of course, keep pushing forward in the right places.

Thank you. No room in my life for any negativity or negative thinking. All about the positivity for me and seeing where this can go.

I just got news yesterday that a local hardware store is giving me wall space to display some blinds and refer customers. Spent a few hours designing that. Onward I say.