Sandeep Virdee : Reeth

Reethsells exclusive Asian fashion wear, ranging from various items suchas party wear outfits, bridal outfits, bags, fashion jewellery, and bangles. Read how Sandeep Virdee set up her own business...

My name is Sandeep Virdee, I am 28 years of age and hold a BA(hons) Business Studies and Post Graduate studies in CIPD Human Recourse Management.

Soon after leaving university (2001) I worked within the HR field for the local authority until January 2008, when my contract came to an end. Since then I placed strong emphasis on setting up my own business, as being my own boss was something I have always wanted to do, specifically in the Asian fashion field. Having believed strongly in what I wanted and how I was going to achieve it influenced me in opening my business.

Having decided that I definitely wanted to set up a business, I contacted LEGI, who put me in contact with someone from WBDA. After a meeting with my business mentor, Minal Sodha, I than understood what WBDA did and how they were able to help me in the setting up my business (academically or financially).

Setting up the business

I have received a lot of help from WBDA with regards to the business, personally, and financially. I have had Minal, who has helped me in every step of setting up the business. She provided guidance as and when required. Through WBDA I have also attended various day courses that have helped me with setting up the business.

Furthermore I was also introduced to the Princess Trust through WBDA, which also helped me in setting my business. I was also notified of information and people I would not have known otherwise than through WBDA i.e. Federation of small businesses, networking events, financial information etc.

Barriers to be overcome

The biggest problem/ barrier I encountered was financially; although I had a lot of help from family I feel I would have preferred finance of my own (savings), for the obvious reasons of not needing to payback. I still had other little barriers I had to face though.

So the fact that there was someone there to turn to when I needed help and guidance helped overcome barriers. It was explained to me step by step what was required of me when setting up the business, i.e. carrying out an in-depth business plan being one of them, stating facts, market research etc.

Another one of my biggest barriers for me was to successfully complete the business plan and collating factual information specifically the financial side.

Reeth: product range

But I have now completed it all and I have my very own small retail business selling exclusive Asian fashion wear, ranging from various items such as party wear outfits, bridal outfits, bags, fashion jewellery, bangles etc.. My business is located in Coventry in one of the busiest areas where the clientele I am aiming at visit regularly.

The whole experience of visiting the shop is a unique experiences in its self, i.e. the customer service, visually, the quality etc.

Thanks to Minal and WBDA’s help I have changed the way in which I think and analysis the business and decisions regarding the business. Although I had the business knowledge and help from family, when it came to actually running the business, it was very different. Thus the help received from WBDA has help me change the way I think, for instance analysing from all angles and stating facts i.e. how to generate more income, how to get the targeted clientele in the shop etc.

Just keep the good work going! I thank everyone that has helped me in setting up my business. Having a good mentor to provide you with help and guidance where needed, makes it easier setting up the business.

For more information on Reeth, please call Sandeep on 02476 272 039 or email her on sandeep@reeth-fashion.co.uk