Name: Suzy Cannizzo
Age: 35
Children: 2
Business name: Cuski
Profit in first year: 0
How did the idea for your business come about?
The Birth of Cuski. Cuski? is the Anglicised Welsh term meaning ?”to sleep”? and was created to bring comfort to babies and children all over the world.
Cuski is the brainchild of two mothers whose children used worn out and bulky comfort blankets – a replacement was long overdue. When they searched for alternative products, nothing was available so we set about creating the ideal comforter for theirs and other babies.
How did you fund it?
Savings, determination, sold my house and a lot of hard work.
How do you manage your business with childcare commitments and running a home?
My office is not too far away from my home.I used to have a nanny, but now my 17-year-old son watches my younger son until I get home from work. I try to leave the office early two days a week, so I can be with them from when they get in from school, or at least the younger one – the older one doesn’t want to know!!! When I’m away on business, my ex-husband or close family have the boys.
What is the best thing that has happened to you as an entrepreneur so far?
Being my own boss, being flexible for my children, independence, girl power *, fun, excitement of seeing a project through from idea to sitting on the shelves! Being in the nursery industry, is such a nice one to be in, compared to the Rag trade, which I was in before! Also exporting, and visiting customers in different countries.
And the worst?
Meeting Peter Jones and being so very disappointed with his arrogant superior attitude- I never want to be as smug, puffed up, full of my own self importance as he is. He may well have a healthy bank account but he just isn?t a very nice person, which is very sad indeed.
What would you do differently if you could turn the clock back?
Wear sunscreen and back-up my computers!
Any tips for mums who are considering setting up a business?
If you are doing something you love it can only get better, always listen to your inner voice and you will know if it’s a right or wrong decision. And always give people the time of day – even those annoying sales people for insurance/phones, what goes around comes around. I always think it could be somebody’s daughter or son, like my own, just trying to make a living, give them a break by saying “no” very nicely and gently.
Great PR is essential for any business – always put aside a budget for this, and editorials work better than advertising. Depending on the business, Google Ads are a must.
Favourite quote
“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” Louisa May Alcott