Seaside Q and A with Tara Cremer

Between researching office space for my next project and planning Christmas interior ideas, I was quizzed on how I set up my business. Read on - warning, this interview contains wine!

1. Setting up your own business is a bold move. What spurred you on to make the leap?
Ha! Bold is a funny word for me, I'm of Irish descent and this word means naughty, but I guess you are right, I am part brave part naughty! I have come out the other side of a life changing illness; it has changed me beyond recognition and has given me the kahoonas to believe in myself 100% and to just try, try and try again, and don't let anyone tell you that you cant, because YOU CAN!

2. What's the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
The biggest challenge faced was dividing a business with a former friend. Luckily for me I have the best accountant that took a lot of the flack (he was trying to give up smoking that week too, poor thing) and paperwork off my shoulders, but it is never a nice thing to have to do I'm sure. I had great girlfriends to lean on during this time and help me make the right choices.

3. How do you motivate yourself?
Some days I don't! I'm a mum to three teenagers (shoot me now) and have the most energetic 9 year old labradoodle on planet Earth. I have to be on top of the home game before all else. Although I do have the lovely Claire, that comes every Friday to sort Chez Cremer out for me, I couldn't be without her now, I adore her...

4. Is there something you wish you'd known before setting up your own company?
No, not really. I wasn't coming from such a good space when I divided my previous business, and the change happened quickly  - almost overnight. I hit the ground running and thankfully, I've never looked back.

5. What has been your biggest achievement?
Bringing home the bacon is uber empowering for me as a single mum. It means I get to actually earn and deserve the memories made with the children, everything I earn goes into memory making for them. Holidays are top of the agenda!

6. You juggle running a successful business with single-handedly raising your three children. What's your secret?
Wine, and copious amounts of!

7. Has social media helped your business?
Indeed it has, Instagram in particular where my followers are now nearly 3,000. When I started off I had 2! I am very pleased about this, not bad for an account that is not necessarily giving anything away, which is what most tend to do now.

8. What are your top marketing tips?
Post post post! on social media! The lovely Jane Rockett of the famous Rockett St George gave me that advice years ago. Also, I never turn down anything, however small, as you never know where it will lead to. To be quite honest, marketing is something I personally need to do much better at...

9. Who is your dream collaborator?
That's an easy one, I have two that spring to mind automatically. Cowboy Kate and Lisa Dawson, both personal Instagram friends of mine and you will only have to look at their feeds to see why. They could not be more different in style, but they are both just adorable ladies who have been super patient and kind with their time and knowledge. 

10. If you had one wish for your business in the future, what would it be?
Global domination, of course.

​AUTHOR: Ray Morgan for Leighonsea.com