Miniature dolls’ house business is standing tall
A Campbeltown business that creates hand-crafted dolls’ house items has seen sales soar after introducing downloadable digital ‘do it yourself’ kits. Zena’s Miniatures specialises in unique hand-crafted 1/12th scale dolls’ house miniature printed digital downloads, ready-made clothing and accessories. Zena Coffield launched the business after she began making tiny hand-crafted dolls’ houses a few years ago and recognised a gap in the market for well-made miniatures. Working alongside her Business Gateway Argyll and Bute adviser, Zena has received consistent one-to-one advice on how to best market the business and create a digital strategy.
Specialist support
Business Gateway’s Digital-Boost programme has provided Zena with specialist support that has increased her understanding of graphics software and the potential of data analytics, resulting in Zena’s Miniatures’ profile growing. Zena said: ‘People sign up to the website every day and now that I have figured out how to sell the kits as downloads, it’s really picking up. I want to sell miniatures full-time and begin offering online tutorials. ‘The amazing response has encouraged me to increase my stock and I have plans to include ready-made items like dressed furniture and other unusual accessories. ‘I want to start attending dolls’ house fairs, initially in the UK, but they also take place all over the world. ‘Business Gateway has been tremendous in helping me along the way, and I have picked up many hints and tips that have helped increase my reach on social media. ‘When an issue has come up, my adviser has been able to provide me with appropriate suggestions.’ Zena sells a range of products for dolls’ houses, including clothes and accessories, while her kits allow people to make items for themselves such as hat boxes, shop displays and vintage paper items. Prior to launching Zena’s Miniatures, Zena spent more than 19 years selling women’s clothes and accessories and providing a clothing alteration service through her shops Miss Fitz and ZENAS. Now, with her focus firmly on expanding Zena’s Miniatures, she’s confident that she can increase her sales not only in the UK but across the world.
Popularity
Donald Melville, Business Gateway adviser, added: ‘This business stands out in many ways because of its popularity. ‘Zena’s Miniatures has exhibited at the International Miniature Fair Miniatura in Murrayfield and has recently expanded to offer digital downloads of kits. ‘There is plenty of room for Zena’s Miniatures to grow and I look forward to continuing to work with Zena on achieving all the goals she has set out for her business.’ To find out more about Zena’s Miniatures visit www. zenasminiatures.com