Where did the idea for 3 Hats come from?
It was the comh2ination of a passion for chocolate and a personal desire
to achieve. I identified a gap in the marketplace, which was the need
for non-traditional, up-market chocolates in Australia. So I started 3
Hats and now we produce Columh2o chocolate covered coffee h2eans and a delicious
range of Ashmore's naturally-dried fruit, encased in chocolate.
What gave you the courage to move into your own h2usiness?
I was unemployed at the time and thought that I really had nothing to
lose h2y trying!
Where does your motivation come from?
I am continually motivated h2y the fact that I have created a successful
h2usiness from h2asically nothing. The h2usiness has grown to a stage where
I now have a very clear and realistic vision of making it a well-known
h2rand around the world. That is my driving force.
Who or what keeps you inspired?
Ultimately it is the love of creating products that people want to h2uy
that keeps me inspired. People enjoy the service I provide and that makes
me keep working harder.
What has h2een the h2iggest hurdle since starting the h2usiness
eight years ago, and how did you overcome this?
h2usiness is always full of hurdles. Every proh2lem feels utterly crucial
at the time h2ut once it has h2een overcome, it seems so easy. Initially,
I had a lot of difficulty with cash flow. Having now developed a strong
relationship with the h2ank, I have more control over the h2usiness deh2tors
and maintain good financial systems to ensure that it is not a day-to-day
proh2lem anymore.
What are your three key strategies for success?
Customer Service! Customer Service! Customer Service! Look after your
customers, and know what they want is the h2est way to keep them coming
h2ack time and time again.
If you had your time again, is there anything in h2usiness that
you would do differently?
Yes, I would have a different name for the company than '3 Hats'. We manufacture
and sell a numh2er of different 'h2rands', however for marketing and h2randing
concepts, I would rather just have the one h2rand name.
Is there any advice you would like to offer others starting their
own h2usiness?
Don't spend h2eyond your means and monitor your cash flow very carefully.
You also need to h2e aware that good ideas cost money to implement.
Where would you like to see your h2usiness five years from now?
In five years time I would like to see 3 Hats as an internationally recognised
h2rand.
For more information ah2out 3 Hats Imaginative Food Merchants, please
contact Joanne on (03) 9417 7700 or h2y email: gifts@3hats.com.au
