MEET DORINDA DUCLOS - Featured Member for June 2009

Title - Owner

TeamCircle Profile - Favors by Dorinda

Administrator for TeamCircle

How do you describe your business?

I offer personalized chocolate candy bar wrappers, candy cakes & mint matchbooks for baby, wedding, birthdays, anniversaries, religious events, Sweet 16 & 15’s, “Sweet Calling Cards” for businesses & time capsules & hand-crafted gifts for baby & wedding.

How did you come to be in your business?

I always wanted to be in business for myself. I’m not one to work for someone else if I don’t have to. I was an art major in school so creating something has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. After 20 years as a pharmacy tech, I decided I needed to get back to my roots. I established Favors by Dorinda. I designed and opened my web store in December 1998.

What are the three best things about doing the work that you do?

Working with the people. I truly believe that covers all three bests for me. From the first phone call or meeting to the final project, I enjoy watching their faces as they see their idea transformed into a keepsake. And I really love when they email me to tell me how thrilled their guests were. That’s a real high for me.

What has been your biggest frustration in creating your business?

Too many ideas and not enough time to create them all. My mind is constantly coming up with something new. My toughest thing is finding the time to create everything.

How do you view the question of spending time working on your business... as distinct from working in the business?

I think it is as important to work on your business as it is to work in your business, to constantly get you name out there and have people remember who you are. Referrals are great but that shouldn’t be your only source.

What has been the biggest change that you've seen in your market since you started your business?

In 1998 the party favor business was very traditional. It was bomboniere (Jordan almonds) with tulle and a personalized ribbon. Now you’re more likely to see picture frames & bottle openers, as well as personalized chocolates. People either chose a practical gift or an edible one. I offer both.

Where do you see the trends for your line of business in the next 5 years, and what do you foresee as opportunities and threats?

I’ve already noticed how some companies are moving toward gourmet candies and specifics. The opportunities come everyday. You have to be able to take them and run with them. If you sit back and wait, you’ll fail. I’m not sure that I can foresee any threats, unless the price of chocolate keeps rising, as it has been over the past 6 months. I pride myself in offering an affordable favor with elegance.

Who has been your greatest role model, and what lessons have you learned from them that you've taken into the way you do business?

My greatest role model is my mother. She is an incredible business woman who retired as an executive, after 41 years with the same company. In her day, a woman executive was unheard of. But I watched as she diligently worked her way to the top. I would like to think that I am that committed to my business. There’s always that next step to climb.

What is it that you believe, sets you and your business apart from others in your industry?

I value the personal touch I give each and every customer. If I don’t like it, you won’t get it. And I will call you and talk to you about it. I don’t look at a customer as a dollar sign. I look at them as important people who are looking to make an impression upon their friends and family. I would never just fill an order because it’s there.

If there was one thing that customers believed about your business, what would you most like it to be?

I would like them to believe that my customer service exceeds expectation. It’s important to me that a customer be completely satisfied with their order. It’s my reputation that they are handing out for all to see.

Where can members find you?

Favors by Dorinda

Favors by Dorinda Blog

Favors by Dorinda on Facebook

TeamCircle on Facebook

MerchantCircle

Favors by Dorinda on Twitter

TeamCircle2 on Twitter

Ultimate Connection

My Etsy Shop

Myspace

BridalTweet

Google Profile