Clever Marketing by Kitchen Table Business

Shirley Jaffrey wrote me an email today, telling me her story how she started her business on a kitchen table and is now supplying the stars.

But she started her email like this:

A story on the BBC website yesterday “When did normal people fall so in love
with Tattoos” see link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7034500.stm

There is no mention of her product in this BBC article, but she has associated herself with this article, more importantly the BBC. She got me to read her story based on this BBC link, since I’m not really into tattoos.

Here is some of what she emailed me:

“… I was a nurse of 13 years experience in all areas of nursing and a practicing aroma therapist, so using my extensive knowledge in health care and natural essential oils and emollients I created my blend, Tattoo Aftercare®, (Scots are also famous for blending skills!)

I was not working, my youngest child was a year old, my daughters were 11 and 13 and my husband was unemployed due to ill health. We had no spare money and were living on social security benefits, yet I saw the gap in the market and had a vision of seeing my product in tattoo studios around the world.

With a borrowed £400 and home PC a lot of determination and hard work and testing the blend on willing testers we began putting samples out to studios in the UK . From that we got our first few customers. We worked from home for the first two years blending hundreds and hundreds of jars of aftercare every day. We would then label and package them, with the help of my daughters, and sell them to tattoo studios. In the early days we lived off soup, (I now make great soup), so we could post out samples, turning back all money made into the company. Two years on we moved into premises but were still hand blending using a small stainless steel pot and kettle for pouring. Finally after hand blending over 70,000 jars we were able to have the product made at a manufacturer in Laurencekirk , Scotland , where it is still made toady.

We moved home from Balmedie in Scotland to Chester , England in 2003 so we could visit more customers and attend more tattoo conventions to raise awareness about my product.

Now seven years on we supply tattoo studios all over the UK and Europe, and use a number of distributors selling into Canada , Sweden , Czech Rep, and Indonesia and are in the process of securing a deal with an American distributor. To date over 400,000 people have used my product as an aftercare for their tattoo, many of them stars. www.tattooaftercare.co.uk

My company has had several magazine reviews and newspaper articles written about my success and personal achievement as a woman in business. In 2005 I was surprised to find myself as one of three finalists in the North West of England Business Awards 2005, Women in Business Category. My product recipe also won the BUAV first ever Gold Bunny Award in 2006 for not being tested on animals. My blend is made using the finest natural ingredients; It is 100% Natural contains no chemicals and is paraben preservative free and is the only aftercare in the world approved under the Humane Cosmetics Standard. ”

THIS is what I’m talking about when I talk about bootstrapping, work-life balance and all that. I love this story and I’m proud to be used for advertising, in this quint-essential bootstrapping marketing drive. Her last paragraph reads like this:

As we move our company forward and set up business links with companies across the world I believe my story can be seen as an inspiration to others who have the get up and go to begin in business and shows that hard work and determination can cross boundaries and countries.

I could not agree more, I hope Shirley is well on her way to business and private life success. A lot can be learned here and if you have similar stories, why not tell us about them? ST.

PS. Before I retire for the day with a nice glass of my favorite malt, I wonder what she means about the Scots and blending skills? Any idea anyone?

99 Responses to “ Clever Marketing by Kitchen Table Business ”

1. Business Marketing » Blog Archive » Clever Marketing by Kitchen Table Business
   
   Said on October 14th, 2007 at 10:42 pm

   [...] Stefan Töpfer wrote an interesting post today on Clever Marketing by Kitchen Table BusinessHere’s a quick excerptI love this story and I’m proud to be used for advertising, in this quint-essential bootstrapping marketing drive. Her last paragraph reads like this:. As we move our company forward and set up business links with companies across the … [...]

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   Said on May 13th, 2008 at 7:35 am

   That is very inspiring to read.

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   Said on July 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

   This is an inspiring story that I am hoping to emulate. The internet has given us the ability to start a successful business with very little income and without selling our souls to ‘the man’.

   I am part way there, and this story makes me determined to make it work.

   thanks
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   This is inspiring and motivational

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   Interesting story, it gives inspiration. Thanks for sharing it

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   Said on August 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm

   I believe this story will inspire a lot of business starter like me. The two words that can I emphasize to become moral story is that hard work and determination. Thank a ton for sharing. It is indeed very useful to build eagerness and enthusism to do business and get entrepreneurship way. We need a look also on fail story from the people with happy ending. The journey not always smooth as many people imagine. There should be a obstacle and barrier before reaching the goal.

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   Thats an amazing story. All started with determination and passion, and ofcourse 400 pounds and lots of help from their kids.

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   Interesting story, it gives inspiration. Thanks for sharing it.

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    Said on September 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm

    This is really inspiring. Credit also goes to her determination and fighting against all odds. Many give up.

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    Said on September 5th, 2008 at 4:27 am

    It’s all about following your dream. Never give up – I believe that is the biggest problem with hopeful new entrepreneurs. They just throw in the towel too quickly. Growth is not always pain free and you sure appreciate it more because of that! Thanks for the inspiration!

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    Thats good to see! The internet has given us the ability to start a successful business with very little income and without selling our souls to ‘the man’. I’m proud to be used for advertising, in this quint-essential bootstrapping marketing drive. I love the post the way its like fantasy.

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    The internet is great. All you need to do is look around for something you have been thinking about and sooner or later you will find. But, one of the best things about the internet is the amount of free great education tools out there. And there are so many people trying to help others out. I really liked reading that. Thanks Bill

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    Just goes to show what determination can achieve when you hit on a great idea.

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    Said on October 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 am

    This is a truly inspiring story. It actually brought a slight lump to my throat. I love a good story, especially when it happens to people who really deserve it.

    I’m going to check out her website.

    Thank you for letting us know about this amazing woman (and her equally amazing family).

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    It took me a lot of time to think and write a comment, that every thing is simple yet so beautifull. Awesome

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    Said on December 1st, 2008 at 11:15 am

    It does not matter where you start, it is where you finish that is important.

    If you truly have the drive to get to the top and be a success will will probably do it !

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    Said on December 10th, 2008 at 9:36 am

    nice story…

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    Said on January 16th, 2009 at 4:03 am

    Thanks for sharing this topic and email Stefan. I hope there would be more email sharing More power!

29. Dining Tables
    
    Said on January 18th, 2009 at 8:52 pm

    A great read. It really shows you waht a bit of determination can do. The bes thing about business is that even if you dont succeed the first time you cna jsut keep trying and the odds are that eventually you will hit it big.

30. SEO Chester
    
    Said on January 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Humility and determination. In our current economical climate it’s stories such as these that should be receiving media attention. We want to hear about success, business growth and opportunity. Love it and need it.

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    Said on February 4th, 2009 at 12:46 am

    This is pretty inspiring. I am running a small business right now and struggling due to the economy. Hearing a story like this gives me a newfound vigor to make it work. Thank you.

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    Said on February 9th, 2009 at 5:53 am

    This in one of a kind story that really makes me feel great.

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    Said on February 9th, 2009 at 6:11 am

    This one inspires me a lot. Great success story.:)

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    Said on February 9th, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    What else is there to say ‘Inspirational’!!

    We started a business in a not too dissimilar way last year , it’s been tough and we aren’t there yet but it’s good to see hard work and determination paying off.

    I’m pretty sure that the Scots are quite good at blending Whiskey!!

36. Sam
    
    Said on February 15th, 2009 at 11:27 am

    very inspiring, hope with hard work can get u achieve every possible target

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    Said on May 20th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    This is a truly inspiring story. It actually brought a slight lump to my throat. I love a good story, especially when it happens to people who really deserve it.I’m going to check out her website.Thank you for letting us know about this amazing woman .It took me a lot of time to think and write a comment, that every thing is simple yet so beautifull. Awesome

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    You are proof that with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything. Just remember, people who put you down are only jealous of your ambition, so don’t let anyone get you down. Businesses do not take off on their own, they require time, energy and persistence in order to make them work. You will fail many times before you get something right, so if you let that bog you down, it will. But when you do succeed, the rewards are great, and people will be looking up to you.

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    Said on May 30th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I could not agree more, I hope Shirley is well on her way to business and private life success. A lot can be learned here and if you have similar stories, why not tell us about them? ST.

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    Said on May 31st, 2009 at 3:20 am

    Really cleaver marketing. Such a inspiring story. Thanks for sharing this informative story with us. I really have some good experience now

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    Very clever. This is interesting story.

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    Said on June 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

    This is great story. But there are many stories like this of individuals literally starting at their kitchen tables. With a good idea, a great business can be built starting very small.

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    Many people do not take the time to read and learn…..but as always in life, there are the people that do well, and the people that don`t !

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    Innovative actions always get the attention. Great story…

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    Thanks….

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    Said on July 14th, 2009 at 8:38 am

    This story surely motivate all the young business people..it will surely raise the confident..

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    Said on July 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 am

    Hahaha wow people always seem to amaze me, bravo. Thanks for this post very inspirational. I am trying to start a business myself, I think its a very difficult task, but they really went through the trenches for their success. Thanks for this article its helping my drive.

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    This is truly a wonderful story,Kitchen Table and full of inspiration she shares her success with passion.I now know I can make my business work.I thank you Stefan for puting this on you’re web page….Terrific Story!!!

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    Said on August 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

    so inspiring..
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    Said on August 13th, 2009 at 7:13 am

    after reading this post i come to know one thing very clearly that you can make so many good steps towards your success and that is very much important in your life!

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    Said on August 19th, 2009 at 11:37 am

    We don’t often get stories of true inspiration like this one thanks Stefen for sharing this and to Kitchen Table for allowing him to do so, this really keeps ones dreams alive that if she can do it so can I, thanks for keeping us all motivated on what can happen if we just keep trying and believing in ourselves.

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    You can’t be all things to all people. In order to target your client, some of these things work and some don’t. Know who your client is and how to reach them. Flyers on cars don’t work for some service businesses.

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    so inspiring..
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    Said on October 24th, 2009 at 2:35 am

    I’m a lawyer in the US (hope no one will hold that against me)and I work with small business people. Sometimes in this down economy I hear people say if only they could get a good secure job with the government or a big company. Now and then an inspiring story comes along like this one which reminds us that the secure jobs seldom create or produce something new, something inventive that will benefit others. Small business people are are couragess and the backbone of any free society and are the innovators and creators of new ideas. Gret and inspiring story.

    Thanks Much!

    Bob M.

75. Jimmy
    
    Said on November 4th, 2009 at 6:42 am

    Wow its great topic. what a story makes me believe that anything thing is possible and feeling good thanks

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    Said on November 13th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    Nice article dude.I am new here but will be visiting more often as you have done a good job.

    Thanks

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    I will come back as i really like your style. It is funny. Thank you.

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    Said on November 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 am

    Thanks for the boost, needed that. Make more articles like this!

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    Thanks for the information i was really looking for the same ……….. Thanks a lot

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    Said on January 5th, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    I so love marketing like this also. They say the best way to market and capture peoples attention is to tell a story and this does just that.

82. oyunlar
    
    Said on February 7th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Wow its great topic. what a story makes me believe that anything thing is possible and feeling good thanks

83. Paul | Decorative Door
    
    Said on February 16th, 2010 at 8:40 am

    It is indeed inspiring. I have always believe in the law of attraction that whatever your mind can conceive the body can achieve. It would always be how badly you want for great things to happen in your life and always expect them to happen.

84. MIke Renville
    
    Said on March 26th, 2010 at 5:57 am

    It is nice to see entrepreneurship starting at the grass-roots and ending at the top! Bob Monty’s comment is correct in that our economies are kept vibrant and active only due to the efforts of creative people like Shirley Jaffrey! Govt Jobs exist only because of the efforts of people like Shirley!

85. Get More Clients
    
    Said on April 2nd, 2010 at 1:23 am

    Really great article Stefan.

86. John
    
    Said on May 7th, 2010 at 3:05 am

    It is indeed inspiring. I have always believe in the law of attraction that whatever your mind can conceive the body can achieve. It would always be how badly you want for great things to happen in your life and always expect them to happen.

    good

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    Said on May 7th, 2010 at 3:10 am

    Thanks for the boost, needed that. Make more articles like this!

    good

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    Said on May 10th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    Thanks a lot for posting such an moral boosting article. I think all the young men/women must take inspiration from this.

89. Daniel
    
    Said on May 21st, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Great story, I would like to have a happy end like her, thanks for that.

    Regards,
    Daniel.

90. Stefan Töpfer
    
    Said on May 22nd, 2010 at 8:36 am

    Wouldn’t we all, Daniel!

    Thanks for all the comments guys – apparently my best blog post ever.

    VB, Stefan

91. Josh Stewart
    
    Said on May 25th, 2010 at 11:06 am

    Marketing is an endless task that needs constant updates so that you’ll be able to keep track your market.

92. James
    
    Said on May 31st, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Govt Jobs exist only because of the efforts of people like this!

93. Issac
    
    Said on June 22nd, 2010 at 5:20 am

    Thanks a lot for the article. It has really inspired me.

94. Goga
    
    Said on June 23rd, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    Thank you for your valuable information.

95. John Clarke
    
    Said on June 29th, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    Inspiring indeed! I *almost* feel like getting up off my arse and doing some real work now.

    Almost.

96. Mick
    
    Said on June 30th, 2010 at 10:49 am

    Wow what a story makes me believe that anything thing is possible, and really gets me feeling good thanks for sharing this with us, I feel so uplifted.

97. doris
    
    Said on July 10th, 2010 at 9:29 am

    very nice blog,thanks for sharing this to us
    good work
    keep it up.

98. jiya
    
    Said on July 27th, 2010 at 11:52 am

    it is true that everything is possible and you are You are proof that with hard work,with your this inspiring story i can also make my business work..
    thanks
    best regards
    sarah..

99. nisha
    
    Said on August 3rd, 2010 at 10:41 am

    very inspiring story,it makes me believe that everything is possible in this world..
    i got many kitchen business tips.
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