INTERVIEW Local Businesses Launched in Lockdown

LOCAL BUSINESSES LAUNCHED IN LOCKDOWN!

You finally go for the plunge, go ahead with your dream and launch that businesses! Then Lockdown strikes! How did these business women feel? How did they adapt? Here are 2 stories of how they coped.

diddi dance, Enfield and Potters Bar

Owner: Constantina Menezes Date the Business Launched: 14th February

HI COS, HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN LOCKDOWN WAS ANNOUNCED SO SOON AFTER BUYING THE FRANCHISE?

Hi Andrea, I felt really empty, stressed anxious and angry as I just started the business and literally had to stop running overnight. I only managed to run 3 sessions before restrictions were announced. After taking out a loan and spending thousands on the franchise fee, I knew I would not be able to monetise the business for a while. Although diddi dance was established, I barely knew the parents, so their loyalty to still remain as clients was questionable at this point. I was not entitled to any financial help as this was a brand new business.

HOW DID YOU ADAPT YOUR BUSINESS?

I changed the business to online only and ran Zoom Classes and Facebook Lives. I taught parents how to make props at home so children could still participate. Although I had so much support from head office on how to run our business online and to not be afraid, I missed out the franchise’s in person team building session and awards night so I did not feel as connected to the team. I had not connected with my teachers properly and resources had to be delivered in a contactless way. I did not even have the chance to introduce myself properly and establish a relationship with them. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST WHEN RESTRICTIONS EASE?

I cannot wait to launch classes and see children’s happy faces in real life. I am so excited about teaching in nurseries. I have not had the opportunity to host a birthday party even. diddi dance has now has a permanent home that we have not been able to use yet. Get in touch Tel: 07983972095

Email: constantina.menezes@diddidance.com

FB: /diddi dance Enfield and Potters Bar IG: @diddidanceenfieldpottersbar

Mima’s Place, Bush Hill Park

Owned by sisters Marina Michael and Eleni Menezes Premises were brought on 30th November 2020 and the shop Opened 8th February 2021.

HI LADIES, HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN LOCKDOWN WAS ANNOUNCED SO SOON AFTER COMPLETING THE PURCHASE OF THE SHOP?

Hi Andrea, we were so excited when we picked up the keys for Mima’s Place. Our plan was to offer takeaways and groceries so we knew we had a safety net to gain sales. However, lockdown created the struggle of getting appliances and goods as tiers were changing so quickly. This delayed getting the shop ready for opening, which meant a hit in sales. How did you adapt your business? We quickly researched and selected different and more local companies as suppliers so we could actually start operating.

HOW HAVE LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS IMPACTED THE BUSINESS?

We have really missed out on customers not being able to sit in the Deli for food and drink due to restrictions. This makes each working day different to what we planned and expected. The lack of passers-by, commuters, school parents and local shops being closed due to lockdown have meant fewer people have visited our shop on a daily basis. There has been no financial support to subsidies the loss in demand and change in tiers and restrictions. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST WHEN RESTRICTIONS EASE?

We cannot wait for customers to dine in the deli and build a rapport with them. We are looking forward to a gaining better and happier atmosphere, as currently customers are all talking about the same thing – being frustrated in lockdown. It is a shame that we have not got to know the locals. We have plans for special evening events, and activities for children onsite. We are excited about creating a more family orientated venue.

Get in Touch Tel: 0203 417 5310 Email: mimasplacedeli@gmail.com IG: @mimasplace2020