Interview
from the other or why ribbon and tissue is important. They are then so terrified of getting it wrong that they don’t bother at all, which we all know ends in disaster. With Man Buys Present, I had this idea that buying gifts could equal speed and success.”
Kate could also relate to the incessant failure of her husband in gift buying, despite, she proclaims, being a brilliant partner in all other aspects. “My husband and I were flicking through a catalogue and I spotted a huge gold cuff I had already purchased, gushing to him how much I loved it. It seems that he only registered that I liked the bracelet and desperate to choose the right gift, bought me the exact same cuff shortly after. This was a good example of how men are desperately trying to get it right, even missing out vital details in the process!”
Before long, both women put their heads together and allowed the idea to evolve. They launched the website almost immediately and got to work on a collection of unique features. Kate say’s “We developed a ‘get out of jail’ option for men to organise a gift within 24 hours if they had had a row with their partner, as well as a ‘buy one gift get one extra’ because women tend to like a small cheeky gift along with a larger offering. We also targeted fathers, allowing them to pick a present for their spouse on behalf of the children. Also, our assistant Teagan helps customers with the buying process, offering to download birth dates from Facebook, make gift suggestions and track all purchases to prevent anyone buying the same item twice.”
Gifts on the website often hail from small boutique companies and Kate tells me that she heads up the sourcing of suppliers. “It’s great selling the idea and agreeing the range, I really enjoy it. Working in a small business is a lot of fun, particularly post recession when big corporates are cost
cutting and have
fewer options available. Being an entrepreneur gives you far more choice.” When I ask Rachael for her views on her experience of the corporate world in comparison to running a small company, she tells me “It’s creative and challenging and the stress is balanced with laughter. Every task feels like something we want to do – it’s not just work.” Kate then adds “the best thing is that we decide how we
41 entrepreneurcountry
“ With Man Buys Present, I had this idea that buying gifts could equal speed and success ” - Rachael
are going to work. Mobility is massively important – I think we take for granted how useful a laptop is to any business owner – I often sneakily check emails when the kids are watching Scooby Doo and I use every bit of technology that is available to me.”
When I put forward whether work and family life can be separate entities, Kate encourages the importance of blending both together. “There is no on and off button. I like to think my husband and I are a partnership and we share responsibility, whether it’s taking the children to school, taking turns on when to cook or juggling childcare during half term.” Rachael adds; “In the mid 80’s the likes of Cosmopolitan magazine would tell women you can have it all, but it’s just not possible and you have to make choices. I have to make compromises every day – if I can’t take the
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60