After years of working at an office job, Andreea Iordachescu gave it up, found a gap in the market and set up a wedding stationery company in Galway with her friend and colleague.
What sets your business apart from the competition?
We set out to deliver high-quality wedding stationery, in particular to customers in the west of Ireland. As this is the first symbol of a couple’s life together, it’s important that none of our customers would leave with an average design. It has to be unique and different from anything else.
We are also one of the very few wedding stationery companies that offer laser-cut, letter-pressed and handmade designs.
We have a great track record of delivering high-quality products on time and giving incredible attention to detail and all at a competitive price with no hidden costs. We also provide other extra services for free.
In terms of success, what has been your greatest achievement?
Our greatest success is being regarded as a recognisable brand in the wedding industry, but also the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers. We have a great number of reviews on our Facebook page – all unbiased I might add – and comments such as “I cannot praise you enough” and “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you” are really special to us.
What’s the biggest challenge that you have had to face?
We began in 2011 in the middle of the recession so there were a number of challenges. Setting up a business is not easy at all and requires so much commitment, from buying an industrial printer to acquiring special types of fonts and everything in-between. There were a lot of late nights.
Who do you admire in business and why?
Franc (of Weddings by Franc) was a real inspiration to me. I always admired how driven he was and the thought he put into every detail. He showed how important it is to be particular; I myself wouldn’t be in this business if I wasn’t a perfectionist.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
I don’t know who said it but the piece of advice that has helped me many times is: “Believe that you will succeed, and you will.”
I’ve always believed in my dreams and that has helped them come true, no matter how crazy they were.
Are the banks open for business?
When I started this business, I was approached by two different banks, and although they were more than happy to lend to me, I funded it through my own savings instead. To be honest, I don’t deal with banks and would rather stay away from them.
What does the future hold for your business?
We are currently looking to expand SavetheDate.ie into opening a proper boutique in Galway that people could visit and see things for themselves, but there’s a lot to think about.
We would need to hire new people, find a place to rent, etc. It’s scary because it could be a great thing – or it could fall apart.
What advice would you give to the Government to help small business?
There are so many buildings in Galway sitting abandoned with nothing being done with them, and I really think the Government should be using those to help businesses.
I’m not saying to give them out for free, but to rent these spaces out at a lower rate.
This would generate more work for the business, employment for the area, revenue for the Government and would also be great for the community.
I know that there are some grants available to SMEs but they’re not specifically for my industry and they have very strict requirements.
How much is your business worth and would you sell it?
It’s worth a lot to me! As you might be able to tell, I am very emotional when it comes to SavetheDate.ie, so no I wouldn’t sell it. It’s too close to me. I also have so much more to do with it yet and so much to offer to my customers, so no it’s not for sale!
Do you have any advice for people who would like to set up their own business?
I do admire anyone who has the courage to set up their own business. It can be daunting at times, but the main thing is to believe in yourself and do what you think is right.
Don’t wait. I had a desk job for years and decided to quit it to set up SavetheDate.ie. Now I feel like one of the happiest people alive. So it’s been worth it so far.
