by Lizl Naude

Having a retail space is a huge responsibility and not one I thought I would get so soon. But in October 2021, I was offered a great deal on a small space, and I decided to take the leap of faith and open up shop! I was both terrified and excited at the same time! After a few weeks of renovation, we officially opened on 19 November 2021.

A few weeks ago, after about 10 months in the space, my landlords and I had a conversation, and both agreed that the space wasn't conducive any longer. It was hidden and out of sight for clients. This resulted in slow sales. Once again, I experienced mixed feelings. I was relieved and sad concurrently. But I had to put on my big girl shoes, and make a business decision. As we were clearing out the room, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. I thought of all the people I met and lessons I learned.

Here are 10 lessons I learnt:

It's ok to make mistakes. I have made so many these past 10 months, but I have also learnt a myriad of valuable lessons that will benefit us in the bigger scheme! I will be able to apply these when we are ready to open a bigger place in the future.
Use what you have. Even if your space is not perfect, do your best with what you have. I didn't have a big budget to start off with, so I had to be creative in setting up.
People are bombarded by products and services daily. Be clever and creative in getting feet into your store. Offer freebies and discount vouchers. Ask customers to spread the word on your behalf.
Ask for help. I called on so many of my family members and friends to assist, and they helped me gladly! I am forever indebted to them!
Tell your story. Use ways to tell your story in a visual way, this will assist new-comers to understand your back story and brand.
Be there. Even if you're a mogul or your business is expanding rapidly, try to physically be in your store as much as you can. People appreciate the one on one contact with business owners. It also gives you time to connect and build valuable relationships.
Listen. To your staff and to your clients. Hear what they have to say.
Don't just focus on making sales. Have fun! Have conversations, and be open to meeting new people!
Be grateful that you have an opportunity to have a shop/showroom. Many businesses had to close doors during the pandemic.
Even though we had the physical store, I still kept and ran the on-line store. To cut down on overheads, as far as you can, continue to push your online sales.

It's not all doom and gloom, we still have shelf space at the same location, which is Paarl Nursery, in Paarl. Our products are now available on the main shop floor and we continue to have a physical presence on site. If you are ever in the area, do pop around and come say hi! Maybe I will buy you a coffee! Thank you to all who have supported our journey thus far. Thanks for all the purchases, pop-ins and well wishes. We appreciate you all!

Find us at Wild Emporium at Paarl Nursery, R45, Simondium Road, Paarl, 7646

Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable products made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self-taught designer and initially started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. The company manufactures a variety of products, from storage holders, lamps, to dinner table accessories, among others. All materials are carefully sourced from waste and sustainably reimagined as beautiful, yet purposeful products. Eco-friendly, handcrafted and 100% South African, each Lilly Loompa piece, once trash, is now a meaningful piece of treasure.