It is a rare to find a business that flourishes during a recession, especially within the retail sector, but Bee Mine is such a business. A wedding dress agency based in Osborne Street, Colchester, it is owned and managed by entrepreneur, Charlotte Scott.
Bee Mine opened its doors to brides to be during Easter 2008 but even at that time Charlotte was no stranger to the wedding business. Whilst living in Surrey Charlotte ran two wedding dress shops and it was only the move of her husband’s job that forced her to relinquish what had been a very successful business. Coming to Colchester she saw no reason why her business idea could not flourish as well for her in a new location as it had done previously.
The agency works by stocking wedding gowns that are worn once, or are stock samples or clearances. They are available in a wide range of sizes but can be altered by Charlotte’s own team of skilled dressmakers if necessary, although Charlotte only likes to take a gown up or down one size in order to maintain its shape and form. A skilled seamstress herself, Charlotte evaluates the potential of each garment brought into the shop. It is essential to the business that she buys only high quality gowns in tip top condition and of a contemporary style.
The shop’s beautiful range of stock is testament to Charlotte’s skills as a buyer. Fabrics include organza, silk and satin; some gowns have extensive beading and embroidery, others are simpler but all are elegant and chic. As well as the gowns there are veils and tiaras, some of which are hand made and can be coloured to match the bride’s theme. High quality does not, however, mean high cost. Customers benefit from substantial savings as Charlotte sells her gowns for approximately half the original ticket price.
It would have been no surprise if Charlotte had started her business without help from anyone. After all, she had already proved herself a successful business woman and had a raft of skills under her belt. But she elected to go on the Step Into Business course provided by Colbea, which updated her knowledge of areas such as taxation and served as a general refresher to help her get back into self employment. One aspect of Colbea’s service that Charlotte particularly valued was the 1-2-1 involvement of a business advisor: “Val Rozga was my advisor”, says Charlotte, “she supported me through the entire start-up period and for 6 months afterwards, helping me solve problems and answering all the questions I had at that time.”
And Charlotte did encounter problems, none of which were of her making! She suffered three personal bereavements around the time her shop was due to open and was hindered by having to wait for carpeting and signage to be delivered. Despite these massive setbacks, Charlotte remained positive and opened the business on time, with Val Rozga’s support.
A finalist in the Colbea ‘Best New Business 2008 Award’, Charlotte has great plans for the future. She is currently in the process of setting up a website and in 2010 she will be offering brides the opportunity to have their bouquet freeze dried, thus preserving it for approximately two years after the big day. She is a regular exhibitor at Wedding Fairs in Colchester’s Charter Hall and in 2010 the business will be represented at the Olympia Wedding Show for the first time.
Personalised service, good business sense, motivation and hard work have all been key to the success of Bee Mine. To find out more, contact Charlotte Scott on 01206 563868. The shop is at 36a Osborne Street, Colchester.
Colbea provides confidential business advice to anyone in the Colchester or Tendring areas thinking about setting up in business or who is already trading. Their fully qualified advisors will help with all practical aspects of business management and/or ownership. Colbea offers a variety of training courses and workshops that will help you and your staff gain essential skills in management and leadership. Ask for details.
