Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
When it comes to business advice, I am very lucky to have friends who are leading experts in their digital channel fields to turn to for advice. My friends are quick to point any tools, plugins and tricks that I can easily apply to my business to optimise how consumers interact with it.
What drives you to make your business a success?
I am driven to make Epiphannie A a success as there is nothing on the market similar to what I am doing.
While there are subscriptions boxes or content websites that offering similar user experiences, I have not seen a website that effectively offers Black consumer’s demand for product knowledge and product accessibility.
I want to make Epiphannie A a success as I also see thjis platform as a way to influences brands using data and community feedback to effectively improve how they interact with their black customers. I believe that the success of my website can lead to brands bringing out products and beauty ranges that actively include/can be used by their black audience
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
I would ask any new founder to think about what consumer demand or customer problem they are trying to fulfil.
It is always easier to meet your target consumer where they currently are than having to lead them to a point that they fully understand and appreciate the product/service that you are providing.
Why did you want to start your business?
Personally I started playing around with the ide of my business during the first UK Lockdown (March 2020). I wanted to repurchase my usual brand of Castor Oil but I couldn't get to an afro hair shop and it was sold out on the websites I usually shop at. The alternative website I found via Google had massively inflated the prices and I was just not prepared to pay £12+ for a £4 product.
What do you do to relax when not working?
When I'm not working, you would probably find me at the gym. I personally love working out in a group setting (hate home workouts) or taking long walks. I know that physical activity might not be considered 'relaxing' for everyone but I love the endorphins and sense of achievement I get.
How has covid made you pivot your business?
My business actually started because of COVID. When Epiphanniea.co.uk was launched, it was done on the presumption that the BAME market were comfortable shopping online for their haircare and beauty needs, however I identified that the pool of content (reviews, blog posts, pictures etc) created from a UK BAME narrative was lacking. I had to pivot my original price comparison website idea to include a community led approach with the user generated content in the form of product reviews to successfully plug a bigger consumer desire need.
