Queensland Mumpreneurs Magazine
Queensland
Mums of the Month
AUGUST
ELINOR’S CUPBOARD
HELEN NAICKER Like many stay at home Mum’s I had wanted to start up a small business for ages. Something I would enjoy doing and also allowing me to earn a little pocket money on the side. I kept a folder in my desk of articles that I had read about other mum’s starting up businesses for inspiration. I am married & have four children and we are a home-schooling family so I really needed something flexible to fit around our family and schooling. I joined up with Phoenix early in the year as they sell beautiful greeting cards and stationery but it still wasn’t the niche I was looking for. Then one day out of the blue it just hit me how I really love shopping for gifts for my family and friends and I love to find beautiful things at bargain prices. So after lots of brain storming and planning I decided what I really wanted was a small gift shop and so Elinor’s Cupboard was established. Elinor’s Cupboard is a small gift business where I sell beautiful items like candles, soaps, ornaments, greeting cards, children’s books & groovy signs for affordable prices. I like to look for pretty things & unique gifts that you don’t often see in Townsville. I love the fact that by working at home I can make my own schedule. I have set aside a few time slots in the week where I can sit down and work on my business. It’s at night after everyone is asleep that I spend time sourcing suppliers and I also allocate a couple of hours on the weekend to balance my books. Facebook is a wonderful free marketing tool that I am slowing getting used to using. I enjoy going Page 4
to various markets throughout the Townsville region a couple of times a month and meeting the people who buy my stock. Something new for me has been giftware parties. I have had a few people ask me to come over to their home and display my stock. The hostess puts on some drinks and snacks and invites her friends over for a get together and the opportunity to buy gifts for birthdays and Christmas presents. It is all a learning curve with lots of juggling but one that I am thoroughly enjoying. Helen has been married to Reshi for 12 years and they have four children.
You can find Elinor’s Cupboard on Facebook or email: elinorscupboard@live.com.au