Abigail's Collection
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Getting married is one of the biggest days of your life, when every girl wants to look and feel like a princess. There can be few people who understand this better than Abigail Neill, who has started a very individual bridal wear service called Abigail’s Collection.
Abigail always had a desire to be her own boss but it wasn’t until she got married in 2004 that she came up with the idea of delivering the ‘dress buying experience’ in a unique way. But Abigail realised that ideas don’t turn into successful businesses without hard work. Her initial research was done via the internet, by visiting wedding fairs, shops and trade shows, plus speaking to suppliers of wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. Gradually her ideas formulated into a real plan but still she needed the encouragement and confidence to actually put it to the test.
At that time Abigail was working as a sales executive in the surgical sector. Although she knew all about demanding and pressurised environments, she had no experience of setting up her own business. Armed with plans, folders, information and basically all the research she’d been doing to date, Abigail went to see one of the business advisers at the Colchester Business Centre (Colbea). “I was unexpectedly nervous about the meeting”, explains Abigail. “My plans were going to be assessed by someone who would be completely objective and who had a strong business background. My family and friends had told me I had a great idea and I valued their support enormously, but it was a rounded evaluation of my business plan that I really needed.”
It wasn’t as though Abigail had nothing to lose. She was in a well paid job, had a company car, excellent benefits and the potential of real career progression. The opinion of Colbea’s business adviser would either confirm her feelings that this was a great opportunity, or dash her hopes of working for herself.
The adviser at Colbea talked Abigail through the practicalities of setting up in business and company formation. He looked at the facts and figures, examined cost and revenue projections, and gave her tips on how to get funding. The advice covered more than practicalities, briefly looking at the motivational and personal aspects of working alone. At the end of the interview Abigail left the Business Centre feeling elated. “For the first time, someone other than friends and family had told me that my plan could work and that I was well on the road to turning it into a reality. It was such a huge boost to my confidence that I was went straight to the bank for funds, and the following week I handed in my notice at work.”
Abigail’s Collection began in October 2005. Every client receives Abigail’s undivided attention during an individual consultation that takes place in beautifully decorated private rooms, setting the scene of romance for the ‘big day’. Abigail keeps meticulous records, sending a small gift and card just before the wedding and has lots of photos from brides who want her to know just how stunning they looked in their gown. Her eye for detail and trend is finely honed: bridal wear, shoes and accessories are all ‘of the minute’ but are carefully chosen to suit different figures and make any girl look like a princess. Although Abigail can instantly recognise what works and what doesn’t, she never puts pressure on her clients to buy: “They know when they have found the right dress and I can’t – and don’t want – to influence that process. If ‘Abigail’s Collection’ is their very first wedding dress outlet they may feel they need to visit other shops to ensure that they have really found ‘the one’ in which case I’ll encourage them to do so. It’s really important they feel confident about their purchase. After visiting other shops more often than not they come back and always full of praise which is fantastic!”
After just 11 months of trading Abigail won an award, the coveted ‘New Company’ category in the Essex Newsquest Business Awards that took place in September 2006. She has strived to provide a service that would be hard to match anywhere, as evidenced by the amount of referrals she receives. Her comments book is full of praise, but perhaps the words of one client sum it up best: “My wedding really started the moment I walked through your door because you made me feel so special.”
For information go to www.abigailscollection.co.uk or phone 01621 869969.
For information about Colbea visit www.colbea.co.uk or phone 01206 548833. Colbea provides free confidential business advice to anyone in the Colchester or Tendring areas thinking about setting up in business, starting out, or already trading. Their fully qualified advisers will help with all practical aspects of being your own boss. Free training courses on business planning are also available.
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