Here at 123Print UK we’re big fans of small business. You’re the backbone of our business and the backbone of our country. Because of this we’ve decided to dedicate part of our blog to you, giving you the chance to talk about your business and tell others how you got started and what makes you great…
Optimal You
This week in the 123Print UK small business spotlight is lifestyle brand Optimal You. Read on as we meet owner Niyc Pidgeon, as she talks us through how she came up with the idea for Optimal you and what makes it such a fantastic British business.
Niyc, how did you get started with your business?
Optimal You was created with the aim of educating and motivating people towards optimal health and well-being. In Positive Psychology we call this flourishing. I wanted to help others to realise their potential and to create positive change in their lives through training in Positive Psychology, Personal Fitness, and Optimal Nutrition.
I graduated from my Masters degree in Positive Psychology in 2012, and identified a gap in the market for a lifestyle brand that offers more than just advice for mind, body, and soul, but one that also delivers high impact training activities, and retails a complimentary range of products as well. Optimal You trades as a training and consultancy business, as well as an online ecommerce site for Vibrant Health super food products.
We are currently running Positive Psychology Master Classes, and a series of Younger You workshops, which equip you with tools to grow younger through Positive Psychology, Personal Fitness, and Optimal Nutrition.
What are some challenges you faced in starting and growing your business?
There are challenges to face every day when starting up your own business, and the first hurdle I came across was when looking to build the Optimal You website. I decided to build this myself, despite having no prior experience, and it was certainly a learning curve! The website is functional and we are looking at redeveloping this very soon.
You have to be incredibly resilient when running a business, and learn to deal with the tough times, as well as enjoying when things are good. It can be very isolating and I often find it challenging when making important decisions, often wanting to gain perspective from others to assist the process. Ultimately the decisions are mine, and I find intuition and gut instinct plays an important part in the way I lead the business forwards.
What’s the proudest moment of your business?
Hearing feedback from my clients is the thing that makes me feel proud. I love when I hear stories of personal transformation through my positive psychology workshops and coaching sessions, and when clients tell me of their abundant energy and well-being as a result of taking my green juice products. Knowing that I can help others to realise their potential and contribute to their journey towards thriving is really very rewarding.
What methods of marketing did you use to start your business?
I received a lot of fantastic press through Virgin Money, which really kick started the marketing for Optimal You. I also utilised social media (facebook, twitter, instagram) to build the brand presence and connect with clients and other businesses. I had leaflets printed, along with Optimal You business cards, and always maintain a steady stream of blog posts to offer valuable content to those reading.
What habit do you find makes your business successful?
I am incredibly hard working and am not afraid of putting in the hours required when running a business. I am organised and manage my time effectively – I work from a rolling accomplishment (to do) list, and highlighters are my best friend! I always employ Positive Psychology techniques within the way I work, I use my strengths, and I make sure that I am working on projects that I enjoy and that energise me. My work doesn’t feel like work, because I always do what I love, and love what I do.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
I would always advise to plan your new venture for longer than you think you need to, and to secure adequate investment from the outset. There are always unforeseen avenues that present themselves when running a business and it is good to have some cash in the bank to be able to help grow in the direction you intend.
Do not be scared to take advice and ask questions if you are unsure. There are some great business agencies out there with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and some excellent mentoring programmes that allow you to learn from somebody that has been there and done it before you. I am a business mentor myself and I know how useful it can be for young businesses to have somebody to turn to when they want an extra point of view.
Create a business around something you are passionate about. This allows you to feel engaged with what you are doing, and you are likely to achieve greater success as a result.
You can contact Niyc at any of the following links:
Website – www.optimalyou.co.uk
Email – niyc@optimalyou.co.uk
Facebook Optimal You
Twitter @optimalyou1
Would you like to star in our small business spotlight? Let us know in the comments below!