Residents’ Culture Exploring the minutiae of residents’ concerns and encounters
Belgravian
Moments Briana Handte Lesesne considers Belgravia’s businesses
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t’s no easy feat running your own business. Whether it’s a family venture that has been passed down from generation to generation or a start up in the initial growth phase, the sacrifices, the constant challenges and the demands to meet and exceed market expectations are counterbalanced with the rewards of loyal clients and a sense of both personal and professional fulfilment. I have been fortunate enough in my career to work for multi-national companies, so I never had to worry about payroll, office supplies, or employee bonuses. That was all taken care of by the accounting department, human resources or the office manager. I think it takes a certain strength of character to start your own business, and I applaud those who do. Some will fail and others succeed, but to quote Walt Disney: ‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.’ When I compare where I live in the US to Belgravia, there is a stark contrast between the number of superstores and family run businesses in our neighbourhood. In Connecticut, I shop on Greenwich Avenue, which locals refer to as ‘the Avenue’. I run into my local pharmacy – CVS drugstore, which boasts 7,600 stores across the States (imagine a Boots and then supersize it). I then cross ‘the Avenue’ and enter the huge J. Crew store, which has more than 300 retail outlets nationwide. You get the picture. I don’t know the name of the pharmacist or the shop manager, let alone the person behind the till. When I return to Belgravia I bump into local shop owners walking their dogs along Ebury Street, or running errands at Peter Jones. They know me on a first-name basis and ask after my family. I always look forward to a trip to A. Moore & Co. Chemists on Lowndes Street for that old feel of a European
apothecary stocked full of niche beauty products, complete with a very knowledgeable pharmacist. They even deliver. Who doesn’t know or love the team at Mayhew Newsagents on Motcomb Street? Family owned and run since 1979, one of the Shah brothers – Nainesh, Hitesh, or Sanjay – always greets you with a smile, even if they’ve been there since 5am. Their customer service is beyond compare. If you need an obscure magazine or newspaper, they’ll source it for you. It should come as no surprise then that a Certificate of Excellence awarded by the Belgravia Residents’ Association is proudly displayed. They are grateful for this award and are always complimentary of their neighbours and the support they receive from the community. I also feel very fortunate to live near The Grosvenor Stationery Company on Elizabeth Street. Founded 25 years ago this summer by Henrietta McCausland, the store creates beautifully engraved stationery, invitations and cards for clients across Europe and the United States. When asked what advice she would give to someone who wanted to start their own business, Henrietta is quick to subscribe to the notion, ‘Keep the faith, watch your cash flow, and run your business with integrity, common sense, and good manners.’ She reminds me that with today’s mass media and internetdriven marketing, excellent customer service and the personal touch is not to be underestimated. ‘You should know your products and services and value your clients,’ she says. I couldn’t agree more, and I take my hat off to the many wonderful small businesses in Belgravia.
The views expressed on this page are not held by the Residents’ Journal. The page offers a platform for the voices of our local residents to discuss topics they feel relevant and important.