1. From inception up until the setting up process, how did you start your business?
I identified an opportunity based on complaints and negative feedback from women about the lack of quality cosmetic and beauty products that actually lived up to their claims.
I did extensive research on companies, products and reputations before I settled on the Athena range.
The beauty industry is a multibillion dollar industry but unfortunately it is a bit hit and miss with some of the products out there.
In most cases you get what you pay for but there are some high end products out there that do not perform as well as they could.
This is why we decided to import a high quality product with a money back guarantee and full clinical testing to support its claims on the entire product range.
We must have physically tested more than 20 product ranges before we found the Athena range and we are proud of what we have achieved.
2. Does your Greek Australian background help you or impede you in business?
I believe my Greek heritage inspired me to do things for myself rather than rely on others.
It is an absolute bonus that we are selling a range of products based on traditional Greek methodologies and formula. I look to those that came to this country with nothing and built a life for themselves as my inspiration and I am proud to be a Greek living in the lucky country!
3. How is business currently?
Every business has been doing it tough through the global financial crisis but it is simply a matter of adjusting what you do to keep the customers happy, offering great value for money and most of all fantastic customer service. Budget for the unexpected and don’t over capitalise or grow too fast.
My father always said to me, you must learn to crawl then walk before you can run and I have adopted the same philosophy to my businesses: slow and steady!
4. What are the emerging skin care trends that you are seeing on the market?
There has been a surge recently on anti-aging products, but again, be careful with what you buy and what they are promising.
If they can’t back it up with a money back guarantee like we do with our range, then they themselves don’t believe the products will work as effectively as claimed.
We believe in ‘putting your money where your mouth is’ to make sure you, the customer has nothing to lose and everything to gain!
5. What is your vision for the future of your business?
We plan to continue offering high quality, clinically tested products at affordable prices and give the Australian market what they deserve: value for money!
6. Do you have any tips for young entrepreneurs?
Do your research. Ask yourself honestly, would you buy it or use it? If the answer is no then leave it alone.
Be passionate with everything you do. If you can’t get excited about what you are doing every day then you are in the wrong business. Hold on to your dreams, break them down into small chunks to make it easier to succeed.
You can’t eat a pizza in one bite, you eat it one slice at a time – do the same with your life, your goals and your dreams.
Be honest, ethical and above all else, deliver the best customer service in your industry. This is what people want, so give it to them!
