How did you grow the business?

“The business continues to grow month-on-month, as awareness and visibility for my products increases.

“While I am working on strengthening the consumer market, I am also starting to look at other potential business-based markets. For example, I have been targeting schools and coaching academies, and have started to gain some traction there.

“I now supply footballs to a number of initiatives including some Wildcats Centres, which is a programme designed to encourage more girls to start playing football. The lighter footballs have been very appealing, especially when it comes to confidence and learning to head the ball. A number of toddler football groups have also started using Lionstrike footballs, because of the benefits they offer for younger children.”

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

“Manufacturing my own products and launching my eBay shop took me out of my comfort zone. I’d never done anything like it before. It’s been an amazing experience and I’m very proud of what I have achieved to date – and of the products themselves.

“One of the best things is hearing feedback from children who are using the footballs. It has been brilliant. They love the fact that they can actually kick these footballs!

“Feedback from coaches has also been extremely positive, with the footballs helping encourage children to take part and to develop the right technique.”

What does the future hold?

“Initially, I plan to concentrate on the consumer-side and increasing sales there. I will also be looking to grow my business connections – including talking to football clubs and their academies – and one day, hope to supply directly to retailers.

“A natural next step would be to add more products to the range that match the benefits of the footballs – i.e football equipment and accessories that are designed specifically for young children, their safety and enjoyment.”

“Manufacturing my own products and launching my eBay shop has been an amazing experience.”

Why did you enter the eBay for Business Awards?

“When I was working on my listings I saw something come up about the eBay for Business awards. What triggered my interest was that they were looking for inspirational and innovative stories and I thought ‘yes, I have one of those!’, so I took a closer look and decided to go for it.

“I didn’t have any hope that my entry would come to anything, but it did, which was just fantastic! Winning an award has been great for my business and helping me to spread the word about our products and their benefits to a wider audience.”

For any press enquiries please use this email to get in touch

Want to feature here?

ebay.co.uk

Linkedin

YouTube

Twitter

Get in Touch