GIFTS FOR BLOKES
Bio
My name is Heather and I am the business owner/creator of Gifts for Blokes. In my life before Gifts for Blokes, I worked in Web Design after going back to school in my mid 30’s and studying Multimedia. I love the doors that the web has opened up to not only myself but many others and I have a bit of a passion for the web. My other passions are my family, books and my garden, particularly the veggie patch!
What is your business name and your website url?
Gifts for Blokes – www.giftsforblokes.com.au
How long have you been in business?
Gifts for Blokes will celebrate 2 years online in September – but if you take into account planning, organising and getting ready to go online probably 3 ½ years(ish)
What made you decide to start your own business?
Pressure!
Gifts for Blokes came into being some time after a get together with some friends close to Christmas and a discussion about how difficult it was to buy presents for the men in our life. Some bright spark said that there should be somewhere where you could find only gifts for men – a website would be good was the comment. Then someone said to me – you’re a web designer why don’t you do that. At this stage we had had a couple of glasses of wine and full of bravado (and wine!) said yes why not. Little did I know that after a bit of friendly harassment, I would investigate this further and develop Gifts for Blokes.
What strategies do you use to keep yourself motivated?
I am really enjoying what I do, but on the days that I feel a little flat I give myself a new task and investigate alternatives ways of doing business, marketing, promoting etc and I find that if I come up with something new, no matter how small, it seems to give me that zing back again. Coffee is also good!
Do you have a current product promotion running?
Yes, with Fathers day fast approaching, we have a Fathers Day competition with some fab prizes. We are asking about the best bit of advice that your Dad ever gave you. Just head over to Gifts for Blokes and follow the link on the Fathers Day guide page to enter.
Already we have had some fantastic entries, some quite funny and a couple that have bought me close to tears as they are beautiful.
What makes your business/products unique?
We focus really on the blokes and what they would like and make it easy for people to find a special present for the men in their life. We also work really hard on our customer service and always try to put ourselves in the customer’s shoes. Most orders are dispatched either the same day or next day, so we try to make the experience of shopping online a great one.
How do you keep the balance between family and work?
Hmmm, the 64 thousand dollar question! It’s so easy to immerse yourself and lose yourself in what you are doing particularly if you are enjoying what you do. I try to keep normal office hours and extra work is usually done at other “quiet times” whenever possible. I have a separate office area which is helpful. But mainly I have come to the conclusion that somewhere along the line I lost my Superwoman suit and all I can do is my best and I try not to beat myself up if I can’t do it all. One of my favourite things that I heard once and I say it to remind myself when I get busy is…How do you eat an elephant? Bite by Bite!
Do you have any advice for new WAHMs?
If you have an idea, go for it. It’s scary at times and at times you will feel you have taken on way too much, but remember there is always tomorrow! Don’t try to be superwoman, just be yourself and do your best. If you are passionate, put your plans in place, your running shoes on and do it.
