With 3 Time Award Winner! On The Couch With Rosemary! (Weekly Interviews in Property, Fashion, Charity & Media)
THIS WEEK; Rosemary had the excitement of interviewing special DUO sisters!, Maria & Andrea Yaluma under their business - MARIA'S BOUTIQUE!! Blessed young ladies, great role models for the youth. CHECK THEM OUT!!:)
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ROSEMARY;
Ladies!! I am impressed! I have known you since the 1990s!!How and when did this happen?
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MARIA & ANDREA;
At the end of last year, towards the end of October. We were approached with a business opportunity, my Auntie who is already in the business offered to arrange for her agent to find a location for us to set up and start trading bags, accessories and purses. We thought about it and after some planning we decided to go ahead. This was exciting as Christmas season was approaching.
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ROSEMARY;
Nice move! I note, as very close sisters, you are both behind the business, why is the name only reflective of Maria? What are your specific roles within the business?
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MARIA;
In the beginning I ran and headed up the business on my own. After a short while, I realised that I needed help and then Andrea came on board. We will be changing the name in the near future.
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MARIA
MARIA; our specific roles: I am responsible for the everyday managing of the boutique stock as well as choosing the merchandise, displaying merchandise on our RMU (Retail Merchandising Unit). I also handle our finances. 
ANDREA
Andrea is responsible for marketing, communications and to oversee overall managing of the business.
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ROSEMARY;
That is a sensible split, more so as on the financial side, I know Maria, your University Degree is financial related. Tell me the idea behind the boutique, at what point did you put it all together and launch it.
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MARIA & ANDREA;
The idea of our business is to innovative and create, to cease and react to business opportunities for further growth and development. It was important to us that we provide quality bags and accessories but also sell things that we think our target market will like by keeping up to date with current trends but also having a unique edge to set us apart from our competition.
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ROSEMARY;
Love it, well thought of and very key to keep on top of what your target market are in search of:) Where does your stock come from and without revealing your business trade, are you only with 1 exclusive supplier?
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MARIA & ANDREA;
We get our stock from various suppliers around Manchester. It is important to try and build a good relationship with suppliers. 
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ROSEMARY;
I agree completely. Building relationships locally will result in ongoing recommendations and ongoing business. I note you have a store?, please let me know? How did you manage to secure and it and how is it going?
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MARIA & ANDREA;
At the moment we have not got a permanent store, we are currently in the process of re-locating. So at the moment, we undertake our trade at summer markets and fairs around Manchester. We will update all information on twitter and facebook as to where will be in the next few months. Usually we use an agent who will find a location for us or there are agencies that are responsible for renting out RMU's for shopping centres around the country. 
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ROSEMARY;
Wow, so many crucial elements to cover, so glad you are on top of it:) I have say, I never thought you would go down the business route so young and shortly after University, this is very inspiring and I hope many people, whichever age get motivated to fulfil their dream too. Who/ What inspired you?
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MARIA & ANDREA;
Mum and Dad, Auntie/Mentor because she was already in the business she gave a lot encouragement and a lot of advice and tips that was essential for us in the beginning stages of the business.
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ROSEMARY;
Oh bless you all. It helps hugely when you have family backing and ongoing support from those you can trust with genuine interest in your work. Where can customers get hold of you?
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MARIA & ANDREA;
We can be contacted on - mariaboutiques@yahoo.co.uk
We have also got a facebook group called maria and dre's boutique
We can be followed on - twitter.com/mariaboutique.
Our website is coming soon, we will keep you posted!
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ROSEMARY;
Great to hear it and I trust your fans out there will spread the word, like I will do too. A toast to much success, thank you for your time & keep it up:)
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MARIA & ANDREA;
Thank you Rosemary.