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Happy July everyone! And as usual, we are kicking off the month by celebrating some amazing local business talent who are making waves in the Bay!
First up this month is our business woman of the month. This month’s award goes to Charlotte Wardman.
Charlotte owns Love Mosaic (visit their website) (visit their Facebook page), who, in Charlotte’s own words…
“We at Love Mosaic are proud to offer high end mosaic tiles. Whether your style is modern, luxurious, trendy or quirky we’ve got the tile for you. We love to inspire with our virtual collection of fave finds!
We sell to customers all over the UK and are on hand 24/7 to help you achieve your interior and or exterior dream goals.
Our goal is to continue not playing it safe inside a comfort zone but, to keep on adding different and unique styles. However, whatever our customers preference – we will provide and all with an approachable and friendly service by a team that runs on Girl Power!”
Love Mosaic have only been operating since February 2021, but Charlotte deserves massive credit for getting something off the ground and to where it is now during a pandemic, so well done for that!
I recently asked Charlotte a few questions about running her business… Here’s what she had to say…
How did you get into starting the business?
With a passion for mosaics and having worked for a tile company last year, I thought there was a gap in the market for a more tailored mosaic online boutique.
I enjoy working with these tiles much more as they are more versatile (pardon the pun!) and in my opinion much easier on the eye. So after having some time with my family over lockdown in January, I got cracking with making this happen.
Concentrating on building the virtual store, social media and the latest trends, I believe I have created something that is much more inviting than the standard tile website.
What is the most rewarding part of running your own business?
Having the freedom to control the direction in which the business is going and to take new and exciting opportunities without asking anyone’s permission.
What has been the most difficult part of it?
There are a number of things that have been difficult such as, making all the hard decisions, the impact of self-doubt and changing habits and perspectives.
Nevertheless, I believe in Love Mosaic and hope that with hard work, determination and the drive of girl power, we can become the best of the best!
Any plans to expand in the future?
Absolutely! We aim to reach far and wide and continue getting to know our customers and their interior and exterior wants and needs.
I believe in the power of social media and networking and have exciting plans being pieced together for the near future!
Any advice to young people in the area looking to start a business?
Do some research of others on websites, in books or even at events on and offline, be inspired and learn from other’s mistakes.
Know your product, know your audience and check out your competition.
Finally – come up with a business plan! Just remember that there will always be tough moments and mistakes have to be made so that you can learn from them. Communicate with your customers as these are the best people to ask for feedback!
Finally, what’s your favourite thing about Torquay?
The lifestyle and being by the sea. I am originally from Yorkshire and relocated to Devon 3 years ago. However, after having lived in other countries, I knew that on my return to the UK I wanted to be by the sea.
The lifestyle down here I find to be very different to that of Yorkshire (as I’m sure many of you can imagine!), relaxed, free spirited and full of beautiful sandy beaches and hidden gems!
Thank you so much Charlotte for taking the time to answer our questions, and congratulations with what you’ve achieved so far!
