Was it a surprising life direction or something you had always imagined for yourself?

It was not something I planned at all. I have always tried my best and work hard at everything I do, and this continues to this day. If you are going to do something, why would you not do it the very best you can? I went to university to become an Occupational Therapist and loved enabling others to be independent. I chose a job where I could also travel which ultimately brought me to Scotland to work. I then discovered having children and working even part time is tough!

So, for something that kept my brain busy while I was at home with small children whilst also giving me my own income I started creating – I didn’t realise I was so creative and how much the business would inspire me. I come up with so many ideas and seeing them come to fruition is exciting and something I am so proud of.

I always thought what is the worst thing that can happen? As long as the costs are covered, then why not try? Say yes and figure it out later.

What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?

Opportunity! I have loved learning on this journey and have always said yes to every opportunity. It really has given me some of the most amazing experiences. From meeting Theo Paphitis and going to my first trade show, travelling to London to do a candle making workshop, finding and becoming friends with like-minded people, being nominated for several awards, becoming a Rural leader and being able to provide employment. It is not just a candle – you really are supporting a community on a small island.

The best thing about running my own business: freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment. There is no doubt that running a business has its own difficulties and challenges, but I have never not wanted to go to work or had that Sunday night dread for the next day.

What skills are important as an entrepreneur and leader?

Know your numbers! Be on top of your numbers as if you don’t know them you can’t grow or even survive. Go to courses and learn everything.

I have a fantastic team and really cherish my team. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They care for the SBC brand and each other as well as the success of SBC and support me. They are family to me.

Knowing when to pivot and make changes when necessary to survive. Some ideas don’t work and that is ok.

Recognise your weaknesses – outsource. Bookkeeping for example. Find that person or justify the cost. It frees you up to do something you are good at or get some of your life back…😉

Lastly, communication is key!

What are the challenges small businesses are facing in the next year and how are you planning to combat them?

It is not easy at the moment. I see other businesses closing daily and this is really sad as I know how hard this decision must have been. A lot of effort and money goes into running a shop/business. There are increasing costs for almost everything and we can’t put all these costs on to customers as they are also finding it tough.

I am worried that the support from the community is going to stop and people will stop coming in the door so I am regularly wondering what is going to happen in the new year – if people don’t come in the shop I can’t afford to pay staff and rent etc but instead of dwelling on this I am looking at why people like coming into the shop and why we are fabulous and how to share this. We listen to our customers and ask what they want to see in the shop – what do you want to see that we don’t have? We are here in the community to serve you.

We asked our followers what SBC means to them and the answers were heart-warming!

One in particular stood out and it is comments like this that motivate me to keep going:

“It’s creative (beautiful fragrances & designs), innovative (branching out) & adaptable (always up to hearing ideas and working with customers’ requests). It’s a lifeline for local people, a hub – a meeting place… Somewhere that (non-local) people want to see… A reason to visit the island. Megan, you’re an inspiration to so many. Little initiatives are popping up because you give others the belief it can be done.” – Genevieve

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Just do it! If you don’t start you don’t know where you might end up. I love encouraging others to go for it and would love to look at business mentoring/coaching. I value the mentors and coaches I work with and without them I wouldn’t stay motivated and challenged. So, get a mentor!

Plan and make sure it is going to work. If the numbers don’t work, then you need to take another look at it.

Oh, and wine also helps… a lot!

Let me know what you think

Have you started your own business and found this useful or has it inspired you to get started? Or have you just enjoyed reading my story.

Next time you are in Stornoway pop in for a coffee and say hi to our fabulous team of people here at SBC. Thank you for reading.