Business Name:  Bellamia’s Party Ltd

Support Received:  Start Up Loan and Start & Grow

Location:  Norwich

Website:  www.bellamiasparty.co.uk

Looking for inspiration beyond her job as a nail technician, Karen Williams began researching a business model based around her existing skill set. Spotting a gap in the market for birthday parties catering to tween girls, Karen set about turning her business dream into a reality. To help her realise this dream she turned to Nwes for financial help and mentoring. Karen tells us more about her start-up journey.

Can you tell us more about your business?

At Bellamia’s Party Ltd we specialise in pamper birthday parties for 7-14 year olds. This includes girly make-up sessions, hair styling, dressing up and photo shoot parties, with lots of added extras. At present, we’re the only business offering this in Norwich.

What inspired you to start your business? I trained as a nail technician but I wanted to do something unique. With my experience in this profession and the motivation to fill a gap in the market I came up with the pamper birthday parties.

How has your start-up journey progressed so far? Looking for premises on which to hold the pamper parties I took out a 3 year lease on a 2000sqft warehouse. My first main challenge was gaining planning permission for the unit, the costs, including licenses, planning permission, fees and so on were considerable. We opened on the 1^st of August and we held our first paid party on the 19^th August 2017. I felt really encouraged by this, especially since my first customer also booked another party!

What have been the highlights of starting your business?

I have really enjoyed being creative and realising my business dream. We currently employ 9 casual members of staff and in the next two years I hope to be working full-time on Bellamia’s and looking to expand the business further through franchising.

What have been the most helpful experiences and knowledge that you have gained from working with Nwes?

My business mentor, Ian Bird, has understood me and my vision from day one. The impact of support from Nwes has been huge; my venture would never have happened without the assistance of Nwes and the Start Up Loan. The loan money was used for rent deposit, refurbishment and marketing. With Nwes supporting me, it has given me the confidence to run my business as I know the support and courses are available to help me succeed.

What would be your tips/advice for others looking to start-up a business?

When looking at start-up costs, don’t forget to include licenses, planning permission fees etc. It’s not just legal fees that you have to budget for; don’t underestimate your start-up costs!