Chloe Powis first appeared on Startups.co.uk last February, when she revealed how her new furniture re-design business, Forever French, was faring. We catch-up with her to see what progress she has made.

How has your business been getting along since we last spoke?

It has grown in many ways, and it does and probably always will have its ups and downs, but every time it does, I learn something new about running a business. When we first began we only really sold furnishings and now we sell gifts and accessories too.

We are busier than we have ever been and I believe that good marketing, and knowing what people really want has played a big part in that.

What do you feel you have learnt about running a business and yourself in this time?

I have learnt that it's not easy, and you have to be very strong minded. It has great rewards, i.e when a customer keeps returning, or someone writes to tell you how much they love your products, but I have realised that you can’t please everybody all of the time.

I have also realised that you have to always think of ways of improving, and I am always coming up with new design ideas because you will never really grow if you just stay stagnant.

What about being your own boss, has it turned out how you expected?

I can actually push myself too far sometimes, and its those that are around me that I get support from and who tell me to pace myself.

Sometimes I work until early hours of the morning, but that’s because I know that it's my business and I am a bit of a perfectionist. The upsides are knowing that you are doing something that you love and have always really wanted to do.

I have always been creative, so designing comes naturally to me. The down side is sometimes that you can’t escape like you could in a normal job. You can’t turn off your PC at 5pm or go away for weekends, because if you want to succeed and get a good reputation, you have to be there for the customer and be efficient.

What do you feel has been your biggest achievement since starting up?

I would say appearing in the national press. We have featured in many interior design magazines, and other publications. It made me feel that I had really achieved something, seing my company name in print next to one of my designs. It's also an achievement because it leads to so much custom too.

People all over the UK read those articles and it’s the best advertising there is. Being able to say that you have featured in them is great for your reputation too.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

The times when it hasn’t been consistent. You can have a really good few months and then it can go very quiet. When that happens it does give me time to think of new ideas and designs, so its probably a good thing, but it can get
you down a little.

There is so much competition out there, so you have to realise that and make the customer want to choose you. We are only an online store, so everything on the website represents your company.

Small things like bad photography, hard to read text, or even the wrong colours could put a customer off.

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

I think I may have researched more. I have learnt more about running a business whilst I have been running it. Maybe if I had investigated into it a bit more, I could have gotten to where I am a lot sooner.

Our brand has changed a few times, as well as the type of designs we create. I think all companies change eventually though, you cannot stay the same, especially if you specialise in interior design.

How closely have you stuck to your original business plan?

I never expected to sell the type of products that I am. I began painting and re-designing old furniture, and some months they have to take a back seat because I sell so many accessories.

We currently have a new YOU collection, which consists of soaps and candles etc. I have designed some of them to look edible, with pretty wrapping.

I would never have believed that they would out-sell my furnishings. It goes to show how one thing can spark off something even better.

How have you managed your finances?

I have someone who helps me with my accounts. Its best to seek advice for that sort of thing if you don’t have much experience with it. Everything has to be written down and accounted for.

Also, its not like when you are earning a regular wage and you receive the same amount every month. You have to be careful when you are doing well for the times that you are not.

What next – where do you see your business in a year’s time?

Hopefully with an even bigger product line and maybe one day even a shop. Everything is handmade at present, so it would be great to take some of my ideas to a manufacturer to make more of each. I hope that one day we can become a household name.

How many hours are you working now and how has this changed since you started? Is it more or less than you expected?

It is definitely more. It depends on the work load. If we are busy then all hours of the day – and night at times. I wouldn’t want it any other way though because that tells me we are busy and doing really well.

I think knowing that you work for yourself and represent your own company label keeps you going.

What tip would you give someone who is thinking of starting up their own business?

To plan ahead, know your market and believe in your product. Know that it won’t always be plain sailing and it is hard work. As long as you are determined and willing to sacrifice certain things at first, then its worth giving it a go.