Meet Selina Jones #eBayAlumni

Meet Selina Jones, Founder of Bloomin Boutique Homewares. We sat down to learn more about her business and her experience being a part of our eBay Seller Academy programme.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your business and your inspirations behind creating your business?

A regular fitness fan, you can find me in the gym, "this is where I get my best ideas or in the garden with a good book". I love a cocktail or two or three! & always looks on the bright side & always on the lookout for a bargain! From which Bloomin Boutique Homewares was born.

Blooming Boutique prides itself on three key features:  Sustainability, Luxury homeware & Affordability. I sell past season stock which would otherwise go to landfill.

“The idea that some businesses prefer to destroy products rather than discount them to protect their brand is shocking”

What made you apply for the BGF x eBay Seller Academy?

Lockdown was the right time to turn my side hustle into a business and whilst working from home during the lockdown, I had the time.

As alumni of the BGF x eBay Seller Academy 2022, how did the programme support your business?

The opportunity to try new things without risk, for example, after the teaching session, I spent the weekend on Tereapeak sourcing and listing products, optimising profits. The tool is impressive and not something I would have had access to before the programme.

“In the 1-1 sessions, I gained a lot of useful tips but I would say, come prepared you get out what you put in!” 

Has there been a time when you doubted yourself as a Founder, and if so, how did you navigate through it? 

There was/is an array of talent on the programme, and I remain in awe of all the founders, from art to hair care. I don't have a brand or specific product, which made me reflect on whether what I wanted to do was viable. However, this has proven to be something that existed only in my mind. The lesson here being we need to challenge our thinking at all times. 

Suddenly I needed an account, had to deal with HMRC, and my to-do list became a reality. I invested in a business advisor who helped forecast and plan for the next twelve months. I prefer to do what I'm good at, source bargains. The rest of the admin tasks are tedious and time-consuming, and this is where I have had to be focused and driven.

Do you think you will continue to sell on eBay now that the programme has finished?

Yes!

What's next for you and your business?

Expansion, ensuring my operations are large enough that this becomes the day job! 

Any words of advice for those looking to start their own business and join our Seller Academy?

Go for it! If you have doubts, read The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins or The One Thing by Gary Keller.  

Know what works for you! Passion is critical. I still have a day job and at times, It can be exhausting. However, consistency leads to results!! Remain resilient and pivot. Automate where possible. 

“I'd happily spend hours on eBay, all the business admin; I don't enjoy this where my love for what I do and commitment come into play.”

Finally, limit access to those who can't see your vision! There is a reason YOUR dreams appear impossible to others. Dream big always!!

Thanks so much to Selina for taking the time to share her experience with us! Check out Blooming Boutique Homewares.

IG: @Bloomin_besties & Website