Case Study - Rapid Formations 🎙️
Earlier this year I took part in a case study with Rapid Formations – the UK’s leading business services provider.
It was a great experience to take part in. I thought you would find it interesting to learn a little about my business background and the history of Unique Boutique UK.
Rebecca xox
Questions
Please introduce yourself and tell us about you and what you did before UNIQUEBOUTIQUEUK LTD
Hi, I’m Rebecca the creator of Unique Boutique UK. I have a passion for business and helping people.
I’ve been my own boss for over twenty years.
Many years ago my first job was in high quality after sales. Looking after and liaising with customers. I quickly progressed to management. I enjoyed my work but quickly outgrew the environment.
I then started working at promotional events around the country, it was also a great opportunity for networking. I met many interesting people from all walks of life and different industries.
This opened up many new opportunities for me in modelling, photography and eventually running my own photographic studio which I closed last year. I still love photography and will continue this as a hobby.
I also sold things on eBay which kind of links into the UB idea.
- What does UNIQUEBOUTIQUEUK LTD do and where did the idea for the business come from?
Primarily UB sells high quality, advanced cosmeceutical makeup products manufactured by Dreamweave Cosmetics.
The niche range includes three mascara products and two clinically proven, no needle lip filler and plumping products called Lip Voltage and they are the best!!
I’ve personally used them for over 10 years.
Lash Construct Mascara was recommended to me by my friend who’s a makeup artist.
It’s a peptide mascara with a clinically proven lash serum infused into the formula. It conditions your lashes as well as encourages new growth. It’s so gentle too and doesn’t contain as many irritants that other products have in them.
It’s smudge resistant. You can even sleep in it! I’ve tried very expensive brands in the past and they don’t work as well as Dreamweave Lash Construct Mascara!
I am also introducing some new products but I am very selective about the quality I sell. They have to make a difference in my life. I only want to sell or recommend something I personally like and use that makes a noticeable impact in my beauty routine.
UB is so much more than just makeup!!
I also have a blog.
When it comes to beauty and wellness in general I think less is more. Confidence is the real beauty!!! This is something I will talk a lot about in my blog.
What’s key to looking and feeling good is really understanding how your body works. Everything we do from eating, sleeping, our hormones and even the thoughts we think have a physiological effect on our bodies!
I find it concerning that young girls are taking to extreme and risky measures in the name of beauty just to look good on social media. Undergoing procedures they don’t need and will probably regret!
Social media gives such a distorted impression of how they should look and what life should be like and I want to try and speak out against this as much as possible and encourage people to get off of social media. Live life, gain valuable experience and knowledge and build your confidence in the process. See the true beauty in life!
I want to raise awareness about different health issues that women face especially as we age. I also want to be a great resource of information on looking after ourselves and FEELING great! Beauty should never be at the expense of our health.
Lastly, I want to give back to the community. I love helping others and seeing people thrive!
I would love to help as many people, charities and animal shelters as I possibly can through my website. Whether that’s through raising money, donating gifts, time or simply raising awareness about good causes.
Social media can be a very shallow place, it’s all about ego and self. Making controversial statements is the new form of success. Tapping into peoples insecurities to get ahead in life is the exact opposite of what I stand for. I want to promote happiness, kindness and love. Be the change you want to see in the world.
I think social media is largely why so many young people struggle today! They have an unrealistic and unhealthy view of the world from scrolling through their social accounts.
Real life is never perfect. But that’s the beauty of it. Don’t envy something you see online that may not even be real.
I think it’s up to us all to do something about this for our younger generations before it’s too late.
- What was your main motivation to start your own business?
I wanted to be my own boss purely to have freedom and flexibility over my own life and to help others in the process.
- How long did you think about starting your own business, before you to actually did it?
I had the idea for UB years ago. I registered domains and company names but didn’t really do much with it for a while.
I was still busy with my other business projects but in the background I was researching and brainstorming ideas.
Then in the last 4 years I started doing more with UB and this last year I’ve started heavily focusing on driving it forwards and now in 2024 it’s just me and UB….Yikes! lol.
- How did you finance your start up?
I was left a small amount of inheritance from my Gran. I wanted to do something with it in her memory. I wasn’t entirely sure what but I had a little idea about building a product based business online and helping people at the same time.
I used this as well as investing my own funds to get started. I didn’t (and still don’t) want huge bank loans so it’s taken me longer to build my business but I like how it all worked out.
Until recently I’ve been juggling two different businesses but I’ve decided to take the plunge and focus 100% on UB.
The world has changed greatly over the last few years and it’s now time to focus on the future and build something that will last for a long time. UB is my passion and where my future is going.
- Please tell us about the first 6 months – was what you imagined or completely different?
My first 6 months weren’t too bad but they were completely different from what I had expected them to be.
I was perhaps a little naive in my thinking. I was running a successful business and had thought that UB would run in the same way and pick up momentum from the get go but it’s been much harder to break into the market.
I had a lot to learn (and still do). I think it would have been far more stressful if I didn’t have my then existing income stream as a backup.
Now that I’ve taken the plunge and 100% focused on UB, it would be interesting to ask me this question again in 6 months time lol.
- How is the journey going so far?
It’s been a long journey with lots of wrong turns lol I think these last few years have been so unprecedented and unpredictable for everyone it’s certainly been an interesting time but also a time to gain a lot of experience, learning and wisdom.
The original manufacturer and supplier of Dreamweave products also sold the company about a year and a half ago. There was no prior notice or handover they just disappeared out of the blue which was very strange and frustrating.
I did a bit of probing and found out the company was being bought out by a new owner.
This worked out well for me because I am now the Business Development Manager in the UK for Dreamweave, alongside running my own website and blog.
I also had some personal life challenges and health issues added into the game so for me personally it’s been pretty tough but I’m still here and that's the main thing.
You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth and just ride it out sometimes. Adapt to the changes. It’s not easy but it’s worth it and the experience is priceless!
In my twenty four years of running my own businesses these last few years have been my biggest challenge!
But I’m still here! Don’t give up!! If you really want something you will do what it takes to make it happen.
- What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?
Finding reliable freelancers to work with. I outsource a lot of my admin tasks and it’s been really challenging to find people who maintain the same level of productivity that they have in the beginning and don't seem to be able to maintain a good standard. In some cases even doing the work at all!! I’ve also had no end of dramas with influencers. They can be very ego driven and forget they’re providing you a service! There seems to be a lot of grifters in this area.
- What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?
I love the challenges and opportunities that arise. I also love being in control of my destiny so to speak. Success or failure begins and ends with me! I like the freedom and flexibility that comes with running my own company. It’s a big responsibility but I can always make changes and decisions as I feel necessary.
I can also incorporate some of my hobbies and interests into my work and that makes me happy. It’s a win win situation for me.
- What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
Plan ahead! Research! And most importantly believe in yourself! Stay calm, consistent and keep a positive attitude. How you look at things makes all the difference. There’s always a positive to be found in the challenges. View them as opportunities to improve. They’re signals that something needs to change!
You will make mistakes, you will feel like you aren’t going anywhere, but keep pushing! Don’t be discouraged and don’t be afraid to get it wrong and try again.
At times things feel as if they're going nowhere, but a few small steps can make a huge difference, when you look back you realise you have actually made a big impact but you don’t see it at the time.
Try to be organised and structured with your time because this will give you more flexibility in the long run especially for when those last minute things crop up. I’m the queen of whiteboards and lists and EVERYTHING goes in the diary! I’m meticulous with keeping track of what I’m doing.
Talking with others about how things are going and what you need to do is also very important because you pick up valuable information and little things that you hadn’t thought of.
I would also suggest keeping things simple! Simplify to amplify! I am always trying to streamline my processes and routines. I’m constantly trying new ideas, doing more of what works and eliminating what doesn’t.
When it gets overwhelming take a break, step back and assess what is going on. What is working and what isn’t. Sometimes it’s easy to get so caught up in the struggle we miss the obvious signs of development.
Try to make things fun and enjoy the process. This is something I implement in all areas of my life!
Don’t stop learning, there’s so many wonderful opportunities online and an abundance of free resources.
I also prioritise my health (physical and mental) it’s so so important because you go through phases of having huge demands on your time and energy and that has a knock on effect on your health if you don’t actively make sure you are taking care of yourself. It’s hard to switch off sometimes so you have to be very mindful and disciplined. Work will always be there! The healthier you are the better your success will be.
When you’ve amped up your hours make sure you balance it out with some extra sleep and self care otherwise you’ll burnout and be forced to take more time off.
If you’re energised by taking the rest you need you’ll be more productive long term.
- How did you find Rapid Formations and why did you choose us?
My brilliant accountant, Jake at Gator Accounting recommended you to me.
- How did you find our company formation process?
I found the process relatively straightforward to use and quick and easy to set up.
- How do you use Rapid Formations today, e.g. what services do you use, customer support, blogs, videos, webinars, newsletters
I use your professional services for my business including the use of your registered office address. I particularly like the ease of communication when needed.
I am still learning about so many other services that you offer!! I will definitely be keeping these in mind for future.
I love the newsletter. It is always full of interesting and informative articles not only about the services you provide but also important information about the economy, changes in business legislation and so much more. Thank you.
A big thank you to for asking me to take part in this project. I’ve really enjoyed answering the questions.
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