Business Profile: Little Red Carpet
Name: Ciará Maguire
Company: ‘Little Red Carpet‘
Address: Situated above Under the Hat Hair Salon, Foundry Lane, Omagh
Contact details: 07517978461 – Appointment only
Can you describe your business?
‘Little Red Carpet’ is a provider of fabulous prom/formal dresses. We aim to provide the most up to date and exciting prom/formal dresses to girls attending their much awaited formal or other event which requires the dress code to be of the glamorous nature.
Why did you start your own business?
I have always had an interest in fashion, especially the ‘glamorous pieces’ always gave me goose bumps.
I enjoy seeing girls happy and content with ‘their look’, believe me when a girl says ‘yes to the dress’ she becomes radiant and so excited. To get to witness this at ‘Little Red Carpet’ is a very satisfying feeling indeed.
What are the best things about running your own business?
The best bits is the most important! We aim to make the shopping experience a very stress free and enjoyable experience for the girl and their shopping partner, who is usually their mum. I always tell the girls to have an open mind and let me work with them during their personal appointment to help them pick the right dress.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
The main challenges facing the business are the use of internet shopping. I am also guilty of this, but we at Little Red Carpet are confident that the personal approach is much more beneficial. The customer is given an one hour personal appointment were she can try on numerous styles and get to see and feel the quality of her purchase. It is also less stressful than sending numerous parcels back and waiting on your account to be credited. A deposit secures any dress and we just know our dresses will steal the show.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
The advice i would give to someone starting any business, is to research. We attended fashion shows in Paris, London and Dublin. I have to say that’s the fun part. Always listen to your customers and always advise them in the most honest manner. Keep positive and keep working hard, any business will only succeed with moving forward and keeping up with new trends.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Warm, bubbly & satisfying
