What do you do? Own my own indian boutique called sameena - on the corner of New Regent and Gloucester Sts in Christchurch.
What qualifications do you need to get this job?
Anyone can start their own business if the have the drive and ambition and of course capital. I did a BA at Otago University which has given me great practical and organisationl skills and I am currently doing a Certificate in Small business Management with the New Zealand Institute of Management. I am planning to take Hindi classes next year so when I travel to India I can do business in the local language.
How do you get your foot in the door?
Worked hard to make my dream a reality and financial help was the key factor in being able to set up my own business. If you can produce a good business plan and you have the drive the opportunity to get loans and grants for small business is available.
What hours do you do? Days of work?
Monday through to Sat 10-am -5pm in the store. Bt there is always work to be done, like paper work and the best part going to India to buy.
Where is the role based?
I am based in Christchurch where the shop is but I get to travel to India once of twice a year to do
my buying
Room for promotion?
More like room for expanding the business - I really want to get into buying for other shops around New Zealand and explore the import business
Allowances?
Having your own business means you have to live on a very tight budget especially in the first few years as there are always more important things to spend money on than yourself.
Travel involved/ opportunities? Yes thats the best part of the job. I get to travel to India once or twice a year to do the buying. My next trip in mid Jan where I will get to travel to Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore to source new products for the shop.
Normal time off?
Sundays the shop is closed and I am closed normal public holidays - but everyday I will be thinking about the shop and how I can progress with it.
Any freebies?
Sometimes I get given samples from my suppliers which is great
Do you get to attend many functions/events?
I try to go to any retail functions to meet other like minded business people in Christchurch. And I hold small functions for my regular customers in the shop when I have new stock or sales on.
Outfits/Clothes/ Uniform?
I wear the product from my shop from clothing to jewellery which means I have a continuing updated wardrobe and its great promotion for my products aswell
Any perks to the job?
Meeting people daily, the buying trips to India and working for myself.
Any downsides to the job?
Not having a steady income can be hard.
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