It comes to something when you’re able to pin all of your success down to one thing — your own family. But that’s precisely the story behind Michele Venton, a businesswoman and online retailer who is responsible for the emporium known as GirlZone. Naturally, it was only to be expected that she would face some severe hurdles after starting the business following her return-to-work after childbirth. Yet, she managed to succeed by starting out working from home.
GirlZone actually sells everything that a young girl would ever want, including makeup, costumes, arts and crafts and much more. It’s actually quite the haven for that demographic. And Michele has grown the business so much in a five-year period, that she was recently recognised at the recent NatWest Everywoman Awards. There, she was a finalist in the 2019 Demeter Award for the Most Inspirational Woman Running a Business Trading from Three to Five Years. That award eventually went to Marine Tanguy, CEO of MTArt Agency.
Venton didn’t let that stop her though, just as she hasn’t let various obstacles get in her way throughout. GirlZone remains as a successful online retail store, providing its products primarily via Amazon and its own site. And despite that success, the company does not have any sort of head office. Instead, Venton continues operating the business from her home, and so do the rest of her employees, many of whom are working mothers as well. Yet, these mothers aren’t 40% more stressed like those who have a standard office job, which takes them out of the house and away from family life.
Venton Enjoys Family Life and Work Life
Venton knew that she had to offer her staff flexible working arrangements, and that was something she made a priority. “I offer it with open arms, I know how hard it is when you’re a mum,” she said when chatting with the Retail Gazette. And while flexibility in the workplace is becoming more common, Venton made mention of the fact that many employers haven’t tapped into the benefits that come with working remotely.
Yet, the proof is in the pudding, as Venton has frequently received messages from other women, asking her for advice on starting their own businesses from home. She does say that it takes dedication and passion to be able to really be successful with such a business, though. “You have to live for it, you can’t turn it off, it gets you up in the morning,” she said.
It’s the same way that many operators of sports betting platforms think. It’s necessary for them to be on the ball with the latest sporting events, the odds being offered, the options for their members and so on. In fact, you’ll find that Nostrabet is able to provide you with some details on the top bookmakers and betting sites. There, you’ll find dedication from all employees, too.
Yet, it wasn’t only this that Venton cited as being necessary to run a successful business from home. She also made mention of having a strong support network. It took her two years to build GirlZone up before it was officially launched to the public. Now, several years later, it operates as an 8-figure business — and that’s certainly something to take inspiration from.
