Spotlight on Victoria Neeve

Photocredit @pinkhouseliving

I’m Vickie Neave, otherwise known as @inpolife. INPO - stands for In No Particular Order because my life has no order whatsoever. 

I am for the most part a journalist who stumbled across this land of Insta and fell hopelessly in love! My brand and I (for want of a better word) is so at home here and has been welcomed with open arms. 

My prints are #justaline and yet they #meanssomuch. My words are sometimes waffle but from the heart.

Mum of four. Wife of one.

1.     What was the reason behind you starting your business?

As a former journalist, I love words but I just do not have the time to be writing anymore. I dabble here and there with the odd blog post and anyone who follows me on Instagram will know my posts are usually story led. 

Words in their simplest written form are simply lines. Just a line yet they mean so much. So, I got doodling and so it began. I have been so overwhelmed with the love for the prints. 

2.     How did you start up?, kitchen table? Mum’s garage, renting premises?

I started up at the kitchen table despite my husband clearing the shed for me and doing it up. It is cold out there and there isn’t a TV! I now have someone starting to help me out with the admin side of the business because it can all be a little overwhelming! I am so excited to hand over my bag of receipts! 

3.     How did you fund your business?

I try and release prints slowly and now that sales are coming in I have started to design a Shopify website. Taking it slowly is very unlike me. Usually a bull in a china shop and throw everything at it! 

4.     What was the most difficult part of starting up your business? Access to money, advice, finding people to buy, marketing etc?

The most difficult part of starting up was believing in myself. The little saboteur that sits on my shoulder telling me I can’t do it. I try and punch him in the face every now and then to shut him up and it seems to be working.

5.     What help was missing for you?

I was very lucky and joined the Southwood Social Hub before I got going. In fact, I joined the Hub when I was at a crossroads. Or more of a road block. If I needed anything, someone was there to help. I cannot recommend the Hub enough!

6.     What went wrong in your first year? Few months if you haven’t been trading that long?

My main obstacle is myself. Setting myself unachievable goals. I started working with Jessica Rogers Coaching. I thought Life Coaching was a bit of bullshit (sorry I do tend to swear!!) and it somehow creates clarity. 

7.     What have you learnt?

Always learning. I did not have a clue about social media as a tool for business. In February when the Instastory element came into play I was totally freaked out. I was nearly sick the first time I pressed upload and kept wondering what those 8 people who viewed it thought of me. Now I love instastories and I love how it helps me connect and grow my reach. I have so much to learn but I am willing to give it all a good bash!

8.     What is the most important piece of advice that you could give others thinking about starting a business?

Do something you love. When you put so much time and effort into something you need to love it. The passion will then drive you forwards when the going gets a little tough.

9.     And what do you enjoy the most?

The creative side of the business will always be the best bit but I did not expect the business to open up a whole new friendship group to me at my age (which is a very young 42 FYI). I have enjoyed the networking element of the business and that was completely unexpected. 

10.     On a scale of 1-10 how hard do you find it to run your own business?

I feel so lucky to be running this business, in my time, in my way. I would say on a scale of 1-10 it is only a 4. Yes, I put hours and hours into it. In fact, I am not sure I ever switch off. I have met so many amazing people since I started in February and life is changing every day. I cannot complain about that at all! In fact, I would say I am pretty darn lucky!!

Nicola Says "Vicki makes some interesting points about the need to believe in yourself and what you are doing when you start a small business; the challenges are constant and if you don't enjoy or like or believe in what you are doing it is going to be a tough journey. Finding a support group is a great idea, it helps to have a sounding board or even just a moan now and again. Starting the business in her time and in her way, takes the pressure off a little and allows things to grow organically."

thanks for sharing!

The Girl with The Green Sofa