Business Profile: Made By Cora
Name: Cora Fox
Company: Made by Cora
Address: 10 Arvalee Road, Drumnakilly, Co Tyrone
Contact: 07823 332175
Instagram: made_by_cora_fox
Can you describe your business?
I make wreaths and garlands for Christmas and other occasions. They can be made in any particular colour scheme to suit your interior decor.
Why did you start your own business?
Like a lot of mums, I was working long hours away from home in Belfast. My young kids weren’t seeing much of me as a result. I’ve always had a passion to start my own business and use my hands to get creative. So when I came across deco mesh wreaths I loved the style and thought I want to try making these.
What are the best things about running your own business?
The flexibility is extremely important for me. Though this can lead to working late into the night when kids are in bed and I can get engrossed in work plus I enjoy the freedom to experiment and try new things. I am also the face and voice of the business so I feel I can build relationships with people and let them see me as who I am. I think people relate better to you and understand where your coming from as a mum working around the daily joys of family life and the importance of working to provide.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
I suppose this type of work can be seen as seasonal, with Christmas being the most popular time. So I have to make the most of the months leading up to Christmas and put in a huge effort at this time of year. I need to be creative in my thinking and work on expanding this throughout the year. Social media is undoubtedly my main selling tool, so I have to get the best from this and be aware of how it impacts the business.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
If you have that feeling in your stomach that you know you want to start your own business, then go for it. Even if it takes time and sometimes a lot longer than you want, don’t give up on that feeling. Continually take steps to get you to where you want to be. These steps may be small to start with but don’t give up on the goal. Networking is key to growing your contacts and helping to build a name for yourself. Use any support resources around you. Omagh Enterprise Centre have recently put me through the Power of 4 programme. The course gave me knowledge of key business areas such as law, finance and planning, along with the support. Join networking groups on social media where you can get great advice and tips plus also a potential customer base. I also think it’s a learning game, so be prepared to learn about what works and what doesn’t for your business. You are probably not going to get all things right the first time. Don’t be afraid to change things and cut what doesn’t work. That’s not a sign of failure, it’s a sign of learning from your mistakes.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Invigorating and satisfying.
