Page 114 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2020

SMALL BUSINESS TO BIG SUCCESS
Steps to Building
Your Business
story by Jae Schifano
Starting a business is never easy, but with the right tools (and some hard work) your dream can become a reality. Melissa Hamilton, owner of bijoubel boutique in
Bay St. Louis, gave us some insight on starting your own business.
“Find a business that you know is successful and mirror that business,” she explains. “Learn all you can about how they merchandise, buy and sell, and keep it simple in the beginning. Start with the basics that you feel certain will sell and grow from there.”
Hamilton recalls starting out in a small 14 foot by 14 foot room on 2nd Street and quickly outgrowing the space. “Today, we own our property on Main St. in Bay Saint Louis. I’m very proud of the business we have grown. You don’t always have to start big!”
After working in retail for 25 years, Hamilton decided that the time was nally right to venture out on her own. As with any big venture, Hamilton encourages young business owners to surround themselves with positive people and go
10 STEPS
to Building Your Business:
into the project with the necessary knowledge, drive, tools, nances, and support system to succeed.
“I was very fortunate to have several district and regional managers believe in me and recognize what I was capable of doing throughout my career,” she said. “My rst district manager, Maureen Worth, was very hands-on in coaching and challenging me to reach my fullest potential. That type of leadership early on gave me a drive to perform to my fullest.”
Proper skill sets and promoting your business is what will really get the ball rolling with a new business. Always make connections, you never know when you’ll need them!
bijoubel | 136 Main Street, Bay St., Louis | 228.344.3393
1. Do your research
2. Make a plan
3. Plan your nances
4. Choose a business structure
5. Register your business name
6. Get licenses and permits
7. Select an accounting system 8. Find a location
9. Assemble your team
10. Promote your business
114 | September 2020
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