What prompted you to launch the business? Whilst taking a break from full time work to care for my elderly parents I was able to start a mail order business selling glass giftware. With lots of ideas for new products bouncing around in my head, I eventually found a manufacturer who could turn my ideas into a reality. With the help of my daughter Hanna, who was just finishing her business degree at university, Sienna Glass Ltd wholesale was born.
What challenges have you overcome since the company's launch? Since launching we've overcome the usual growing pains expanding from the kitchen table, eventually taking over the whole house, our first small storage unit and finally our own warehouse, office and packing department. Add in Brexit and COVID and its certainly been a rollercoaster.
Our collection features exquisitely crafted glass giftware meticulously handmade by talented artisans. Amongst our signature pieces are friendship balls and friendship hearts, Each item comes in Sienna Glass branded packaging, many items are also supplied with a gift tag and an explanation of the history that surrounds the item. Over time, we’ve broadened our offerings to encompass gifts for various occasions, including weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and more, ensuring timeless keepsakes for your customers and their loved ones. Additionally, we’ve expanded into home ornaments, tableware, and aromatherapy products, providing a comprehensive range of glassware to meet the diverse needs of our clientele.
What are your most popular products? It's difficult to single out one particular item as different products appeal to different marketplaces. If we had to choose products that are popular just about everywhere it would have to be the birthstone, friendship and specific occasion balls and hearts.
Have any styles taken you by surprise with their popularity? Having started with generic products we've found that items which are for a specific life event are very popular and we're constantly adding to our range of milestone and sentiment products. This year we launched a new Christmas range, which included a glass Christmas tree with miniature handmade including a cute reindeer, candy canes and other Christmas items. These were a big hit, selling out very quickly. We'll be expanding the Christmas offering this year.
We constantly brainstorm new ideas with just about anyone who will talk to us about it. We keep up to date with colour trends in home décor as many of our products make great additions to home colour schemes. Any suggestions, drop us an email!
What sets you apart from your competitors?
Having started out in retail I was aware of some of the challenges of selling glassware. The aim was to provide retail outlets with an easy and safe selling solution for this type of product. As such, we designed packaging that was not only attractive but also protective. The products are easy to display, and the packaging adds a protective layer to keep the products safe during transportation. We have a low minimum order and all items can be purchased individually, allowing retailers to test new product lines and restock fast moving lines. Storage space and cash flow are challenges many small business face and the little and often approach, coupled with fast delivery enables our customers to maximise their sales.
How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business?
The UK business climate, like the UK weather, changes constantly. The important thing is to embrace the change and be prepared to adapt quickly.
How do you view the future of independent retail?
Again, all businesses need to be ready to adapt to the ever-changing landscape, keep customers happy with great products and excellent service and the future will be bright.
Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business?
Yes! It's absolutely crucial.
Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts?
Know your customer, find your customer, look after your customer, manage your cash flow.
SIENNA GLASS
Tel: +44 (0)7786 321 443
www.siennaglass.com
