SPOTLIGHT ON: NILA COLLECTIONS

Boutique selling latest garments, such as salwars, sarees. Specializes in block printing, embroidery.

PROPRIETOR: Mrs. R. Narayani

First Floor, Subbulakshmi Apartments, 49/1. Bheemasena Garden Street , R.H. Road , Mylapore, Chennai- 600004.

Residence 24985114, Mobile 9444328398

What initiated you to start this business?

It was basically for recreation and also with the intention to elicit extra income. I had done some courses in embroidery, tie and dye, batik and block printing. However, I started off only with trading of garments.

How long have you been running this business?

Five years. Initially for a year I was only into trading of garments. As I started developing a sense of disinterest in that, I started with block printing and embroidery.

Who is your role - model?

I have never had a role model in particular. I believe in being my own competitor and mentor.

How did your family react when you proposed this idea of starting business?

My daughters were very encouraging. However members of my family were little apprehensive about my choice of garment trading as a business, as they were quite unsure about the pick up it would have. But they were never against my venture.

Who are your target audience?

Ladies. Those of the upper middle class, who look out for boutique material at an affordable rate.

What are your goals for the year ahead?

To develop my business and improve my designs and also introduce some designs from North India .

What was your initial investment for the business?

My initial investment was a small amount of Rs. 5000.

Did you face any hurdles as an entrepreneur?

I have never faced hardships in my business as I was quite cautious from day one. My initial investment would itself give you a picture. I believe in the policy of 'Look before you leap'.

What are your tips to fellow entrepreneurs?

Ladies who plan to begin a business should have the willingness to achieve. They should not get confused by the mixed reactions that people would give. Always the business venture should be in accordance to their comfort levels. If I don't feel comfortable with a particular aspect in my venture, I never take it up.

How do you multitask home and business?

Well, my daughters are quite grown up and they understand the demands of my business. My family lends me a helping hand at times of need and they are always around to cooperate.

How much time do you devote to your business per day?

Since I run my business from home, I don't have a fixed schedule. It all depends on the flow of the customers. I spend an average of two to three hours a day.

When did you achieve your break even profit?

Since my capital was small, I could take it back within two or three sales itself.

Is your business profitable?

Of course. As I mentioned earlier caution is the key word. I have a clear perspective of what I am doing and therefore it is profitable for me.

How did you establish your client base?

Like any other business women, I depended on my friends and relatives for some time. Later, I became a member of MOOWES and they threw open a lot of opportunities for me to network. Exhibitions and fairs organized by them helped me reach out to people and find a place for myself in the market.

Have you thought of taking up some training to improve your business?

Not really. During my college days itself, I took up classes in embroidery, tie and dye and batik, block printing. I think this will suffice my venture.

What is the competition like in this business?

I have a positive perception of competition. When competitors visit my exhibits, they incorporate my ideas and vice versa. I believe it is basically an exchange of ideas. Competition drives me to innovate and create something new.

What are the challenges you face in doing your business?

Once the design become stagnant, the customers have had enough of it. They always want something new. Therefore innovation on a regular basis is the main challenge.

How does your family cooperate in running this business?

They help me a lot. My husband helps me by procuring the bundles of garments. My daughters help me with my sales.

How has this business helped you grow as a person? /Has this business venture changed your personality or life?

First of all, it has helped me establish a lot of contacts. I get to meet new faces on an everyday basis. This venture has given me a lot of individuality. I wouldn't say that I've attained fame. But when some people recognize me when I am out shopping etc, it provides a 'feel good factor'.

Do you propose to expand your business in terms of production, providing employment opportunities etc?

Mine is a small time business and I don't have a tailoring unit to employ people directly. However, if people approach me with a proposal to start a business, I can definitely help them procure raw materials at a cheaper rate. I will also relax the terms and conditions.