Starting a small business can be an exciting yet daunting venture. While the rewards of being your own boss and creating something from the ground up are undeniable, the road to success often involves navigating a variety of challenges. Holly Spooner’s business journey has been no exception.
Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business.
Holly’s passion for interior design began from a young age; from renovating dollhouses to designing floor plans for her bedroom, she was obsessed with creating beautiful spaces. Little did she know that these early projects were laying the foundation for a future career in interior design.
After experimenting with other creative ventures like furnishing design and working as an upholsterer, Holly saw a gap in the local market and realised she needed to follow her passion, put in the work, and trust the process, which led her to create Houndstooth Interiors.
Starting a business with a small investment was not easy, and Holly recognises that finance was a major hurdle at the beginning. Every dollar Holly made went back into the business, and there were times she questioned if she was doing the right thing. Balancing a full-time job, family life, and running a business was a delicate act, but the passion for what she was doing kept her going. And while the financial struggles were tough in the beginning, the rewards of building something from the ground up were even greater.
Starting her interior design business in a small town like Taupō could have been a gamble, but she found it to be the perfect place to establish her business. “ When I first launched the business, I was worried I would be too niche for such a small market. I played it safe with a more mainstream, neutral design style but quickly learned that people here were hungry for something different”. Taupō embraced Holly’s bold use of colour and creativity—something she hadn't anticipated but was thrilled to discover.
Embracing the tools to grow your business
The rise of the internet and social media has given Holly a platform to showcase her work and connect with others. Holly believes the modern world allows anyone with drive and creativity to succeed. Social media has been a game-changer; Instagram, in particular, has allowed her to share her designs with a wider audience and build a following that appreciates the unique, vibrant designs she offers. What started as a small-town venture has grown to attract clients from all over New Zealand, with around half of her clients are from outside of the district, and this couldn't have been achieved without the power of a great online presence.
One of the best decisions Holly made early on was signing up for a business mentorship. It wasn’t easy to find the right mentor, especially in a creative field, but once she did, it was invaluable. Having someone to hold her accountable, break down tasks, and give direction helped her navigate the overwhelming aspects of business. Her mentors have helped to refine her target market, clarify her vision, and, most importantly, keep her grounded when things felt like they were spiralling.
Holly was also part of the first cohort to complete Amplify’s Amp It Up start-up business programme in 2023. She recommends this as a great way to validate a business idea and found real value in the supportive community of people she met, all at a similar stage in their business journey. The cohort has gone on to champion each other's businesses whenever they have the chance.
At first, Holly was concerned that her niche style might turn people away. But over time, she realised that staying true to her unique perspective was what made her designs stand out. She wants to educate her clients about the power of colour and how to use it to enhance their spaces.
The Future: Growing Through Online Presence and Community Engagement
As Houndstooth Interiors continues to grow, one of its main focuses is expanding its online presence. The studio Holly built in Taupō is just the beginning. Future plans include reaching even more potential clients through Instagram, virtual consultations, and online design packages. The goal is to make her expertise accessible to those outside of Taupō while still maintaining a strong connection to the local community.
The dream is to create a business that not only thrives in a small town but also has the flexibility to grow and operate remotely, allowing Holly to spend more time doing what she loves—designing.
Holly believes her business journey has been about passion, creativity, and the drive to keep going, even when things get tough. Her business journey is one of perseverance, passion, and the belief that creativity should never be stifled by traditional boundaries.
Taupō offers a unique blend of opportunities for people wanting to start a business. Our welcoming community and support for businesses create an ideal environment for ventures to thrive. Taupō is an excellent launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey, with the perfect balance of a small town with potential for growth, enabling your business to succeed both locally and nationally. Participating in some of the programmes offered by Amplify, like Amp it Up or Business Mentors, can provide valuable support and opportunities on your business journey.
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