Meet the boss - Jacqueline Dyer

- Name: Jacqueline Dyer

- Company: Giant Bradley's Sweet Shop

- Position: Owner

- Industry: Online Confectionery Retail

What was your job role before Covid?

I have had many different roles within different industries. Pre-Covid my last role which I was made redundant from due to Covid was working in Customer Services, for a mail-order company, and prior to this I was a Web Design/Admin Assistant.

Could you describe your career path for the reader before Covid?

My career path has been very varied; I trained as a Building Surveyor at University but for one reason or another didn’t end up pursuing it.

Pre-Covid I will admit my career path has been largely determined by my two children. I have wanted to be there for them and watch them grow up therefore the roles I have worked in have been chosen as they were flexible in regard to the additional responsibilities I have as a mother.

What is your new role/business?

I am the owner of an online sweet shop. We stock a large variety of sweet gifts, pick and mix items as well as other sweet shop items. All items are delivered direct to the recipient’s door and all prices include free delivery.

How did this come about?

I’d considered setting up my own business for years but for one reason or another never took the plunge.

It was after being made redundant and struggling to find a role that was flexible so that I could care for my two children and also one that was forward thinking in regard to Covid that I decided that now was the moment that I would set up my own business.

Why did you decide to choose this?

Why an online sweetshop? Well, a friend suggested sweets and after much deliberation and drawing on experience I had gained working in different industries I decided it was a really good idea as it was going back to something I knew in many ways and then expanding on it.

I had worked in retail, designed websites, worked in administration roles and also customer services over the years. The name was inspired by a local famous man - William Bradley (known as Giant Bradley) - as he lived in the town of Market Weighton which is where we are based.

What was the biggest challenge to getting started?

I think the biggest challenge to getting started has been deciding on the stock. The range of sweets is so vast, where to start has relied on taste-testing and research but, which products are stocked is dependent on the demographic and market that you want to target.

Few people dislike all forms of sweet so deciding what area of this market you want to specialise in has been difficult in some ways.

Are you optimistic, realistic or pessimistic about 2021?

I believe I am realistic about 2021. There is hope in regards to Covid and the vaccine, but we are all having to make adaptations to our lives in the meantime.

Being solely online has many benefits in this regard, but many people are struggling to make ends meet and this obviously is reflected in sales.

What is the most important task you carry out each day?

Assessing and ensuring orders are filled and analysing marketing results.

What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self about your career journey?

To be laid back about what lies ahead; you never know where you will end up or how you’ll get there. Just enjoy the good times and be hopeful and optimistic through the hard ones.

What causes you the most stress at work?

I work long hours starting at 8am some days and working through til 11pm, sometimes later! I juggle this with being a single parent which can be difficult at times - especially at the moment! - with homeschooling.

If you could instantly change one area or thing about your business, what would it be?

To be honest at the moment there is nothing I would change; I am very happy with my business and how it is growing and developing.

What do you do to unwind?

I enjoy family time, baking, writing and a walk. Pre-Covid, a nice meal out and socialising.

If you could give a single piece of advice to a start-up entrepreneur what would that be?

That there are times when all you seem to do is work but the blood, sweat and tears will be worth it. That and as long as you have enthusiasm and love for your business then it has every chance of succeeding.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Jacqueline, it is great to hear a positive COVID story! www.giantbradleyssweetshop.com