Hannah

When did you sell your first item on eBay?

"Back in September 2011, I was at a very low point in my life. I was a teacher but unable to work due to surgery for Crohn’s disease. I was finding it increasingly hard, not just to leave the house, but to find a reason to. Which was heartbreaking for me, as I am a ‘people person’ and usually the life and soul of the party."

“Browsing eBay one day I saw that someone was selling hen party games. I decided I’d put a few games I’d created on sale too and to my surprise, people loved them!"

“I know it sounds mad, but those little pink cards saved me. I needed to walk to the postbox with my orders and to visit the Post Office to buy my stamps. Suddenly, I had a purpose again and a reason to leave the house. Not to mention all the lovely emails and messages I started to receive from happy customers, which really lifted me in my darkest days."

“Running my own business on eBay has given me the flexibility and work-life balance I craved”
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“By summer 2012, I was feeling stronger – both physically and mentally – so I put my eBay selling on hold while I returned to my job as a teacher, and ended up being promoted to the senior team."

“After battling infertility as a result of her surgeries, my dreams came true and I fell pregnant. I went on to have a son in 2015 and it was one of the happiest moments of my life. But I began to struggle again and when I was told by my employer that ‘leadership and motherhood didn’t mix’, I ended up leaving my job."

“I felt I’d lost some of my identity and it was then that I thought about my hen party games again and decided to make a real go of it.” 

How did you grow the business?

“Making the move from a hobby-seller to a full time retailer presented its own challenges. But in just a short space of time, I had established a successful business."

“One thing I needed to learn was how to delegate and put my trust in others – otherwise, I would have ended up working 24/7! It was a learning curve for me, but so worth it in the end. I received some great advice and also attended workshops and networking events, where I met with other small business owners and we’d share tips and best practice."

“This support was transformational and the business flourished. The icing on the cake was when I received the eBay for Business Inspiration Award in 2017, a very proud moment for me.”

What does the future hold?

“My dream now is for Hannah’s Games to be a one-stop-shop for great games – whatever the occasion – and to inject a bit of fun whenever people get together." 

“Originally we concentrated on hen parties, but we now offer games for all sorts of occasions. For example, our Christmas range and ‘Games 4 Elves’ product sold a whopping 11,000 units in its launch year. It’s amazing for me to think of all those families who are out there making memories with our games!"  

“Nothing makes memories like a humble card game. I love being part of that.”
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“We’ve also launched Games 4 Bumps, as part of a new Baby Shower game range. We’re already getting a fantastic reaction to it, from customers old and new. Lots of people are also lapping up our new Easter range, including ready-made Easter Egg Hunts for instant family fun. And soon we’ll be bringing out games that are designed for journeys and travel, which will be perfect for families off on a getaway or staycation."

“The world may be going digital, but what people still want is to get together with family and friends, and nothing makes memories like a humble card game. I love being part of that.” 

Why did you choose eBay?

“Running my own business on eBay has given me the flexibility and work-life balance I craved, so I am able to spend quality time with my wonderful little boy. I don’t take phone calls or do any business on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Those days are for my son."

“For me, Hannah’s Games is so much more than just a way to earn money, it’s got me through the good times and the bad, and will always have a special place in my heart.”