From Retail Buying to My Word Gifts: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

After dedicating over 17 years to retail buying across various categories, fashion jewellery, homewares, stationery, and toys, I felt a calling to channel my experience into something deeply personal. My educational background in textile design for fashion had initially seen me set my sights on a path toward becoming a textile designer. However, breaking into that field proved really challenging without experience and this led me to my first post graduate role with a clothing agent. This position served as a bridge between buyers and suppliers and ignited my passion for buying, where I honed my retail and product skills for over 17 years.

The Spark Behind My Word Gifts

The inspiration to create My Word Gifts stemmed from a desire to blend my extensive product knowledge with a personal touch. I envisioned a brand that offered personalised gifts that bring joy and uniqueness to every occasion.

Navigating Initial Challenges

Transitioning from a major UK retailer, where product launches yielded immediate results, to establishing my own brand was a reality check. I launched on Etsy in July 2024, celebrating my first sale in August. It became evident that driving traffic required more than just listing products. It demanded strategic marketing and investment in advertising. Recognising this, I decided to focus my efforts on my own website, which I launched in October 2024.

Celebrating Milestones

Achieving a catalog of over 200 products, all fulfilled through print-on-demand suppliers via Printify, was a significant milestone. This approach allowed me to manage a diverse product range without the challenges of stock holding. Equally rewarding has been my personal growth in digital marketing, SEO, and social media. These are areas I continue to explore, understanding that building a brand requires a multifaceted skill set.

Advice for Aspiring E-commerce Entrepreneurs

Embrace learning and be prepared to adapt. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and acquiring knowledge is crucial. A personal friend recommended Neil Patel’s digital marketing training, which offers comprehensive resources to enhance online visibility. It’s such a brilliant resource you can find here Neil Patel Digital Marketing   Additionally, pursuing Meta’s certified training programs can provide valuable insights into social media marketing. 

The abundance of free resources today is remarkable. Platforms like The Open University Open University offer free courses that can lead to Level 2 NVQ qualifications in areas such as digital marketing, social media, and bookkeeping. Podcasts like Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO” Steven Bartlett Diary Of A CEO and Simon Squibb’s insights Simon Squibb have also been instrumental in providing diverse perspectives.

Maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Building a brand requires resilience and patience. Revisiting “The Secret” The Secret reminded me of the power of manifestation and staying focused on one’s goals. Incorporating daily walks into my routine has been beneficial, offering moments of clarity and inspiration.

Looking Ahead

My vision for My Word Gifts is to become the premier destination for personalised gifts in the UK and globally. I aim to offer unique experiences to customers, celebrating the joy that personalised gifts bring. The journey is ongoing, and I’m excited about the future developments and opportunities that lie ahead.