More Than WE Know

One secret to modern-day business success is that people will spend money to save time.

As mothers we want to be able to provide our children with the experiences and memories that our own mothers provided to us - but we are short on the time to do so.

Majella’s  business Birthday Bonanza targets the market of over-worked parents wanting to quickly and easily put together the makings of a memorable celebration for their child. 

Her business is 100% online. Her themes include Bob the Builder, Winnie the Pooh, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Scooby, Thomas the Train, The Incredibles, Soccer and more.  Her party packs enable parents to quickly select decorations, accessories, favors, and games.

Majella also provides a party planner online to help parents ensure they haven’t forgotten anything, as well as ideas for theme-based games to use during the celebration.

Majella’s has expanded upon her original birthday business by realizing that her customers are also interested in items to help them celebrate Christenings, First Communion, and Confirmations.  

By helping customers celebrate meaningful life events, Majella builds customer loyalty, repeat business and organic word-of-mouth growth. 

Here is her story.

Majella, tell me about your business

Birthday Bonanza is an online party shop, selling theme party ware and party products as well as offering advice and game ideas to help with the special day. 

Our goal is to take the stress and hassle away from parents organising their children’s special occasion. Our website allows them to browse, through our wide range of party tableware and party products to help them make that special occasion a success. 

What is your best holiday item? 

Since we are now in the festive season we have a large range of Christmas Stocking fillers, which have been very popular, especially the arts & crafts range where you can design your own bag and colour it in with fabric crayons.

What inspired or motivated you to start your business?

My inspiration was that my son’s 7th birthday was approaching and the search was on for Star Wars party ware, which I found so hard to find. Finally after sourcing the products, I thought of all the busy parents that would be out working and wouldn’t have the time to search, and could I help?

What keeps you motivated?

My motivation comes from many areas, one being my family and the great support and encourage they give me and the other lies on the countless emails I receive from satisfied customers. 

How did you fund your business ?

I was left a little bit of money from an aunt so it gave me the incentive to do something with it.

Who is your target market?

My target market would be mostly parents and the children themselves, both young and old.

What percentage of your business is online?  100%

Where do you get most of your customers? 

Networking, advertising, online mother & baby discussion boards, press releases and I have been extremely lucky with the feedback and word of mouth from my customers.

What is the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
I had been a Stay at Home Mum for 9 years so it was a big challenge for me was setting my business up while still being a SAHM. 

It all to do with time management, managing my own work timetable around family life.

What was the best unexpected thing that happened to you?

Getting my business mentioned on Ray Darcy “Fix it Friday”, also getting two great reviews written in the Evening Herald and the Mother & Babies supplement in the Independent Newspaper.

What do you wish you had known when you started?

The resources that are out there to help you along, i.e. Irishbusinesswomen, iamawahm, etc.

Do you have kids? Do you work at home?

I have three children aged 9, 6 and 4  and I am a work-at-home mum.

What is the biggest challenge of being a work-at-home mum? 

The biggest challenge being a work at home mum is managing my work around family life.

If you have kids, how have they helped you be a better entrepreneur?

They have been brilliant, it was actually my son (9) whose request for Star Wars birthday party has got me to where I am now.

How has being an entrepreneur helped you be a better mum?

It allows me to work at home and to be there for my children at the same time.  It has given me confidence and hopefully will also to my children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

What advice do you have for other Women Entrepreneurs, or Entrepreneur-wannabe’s?

If you have an idea and you feel passionate about it go for it, nothing ventured nothing gained.

To learn more about Majella’s party products, visit Birthday Bonanza.

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If you would like your business profiled on More Than WE Know  please contact me at Liz (at) Morethanweknow (dot) com.  

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