Business Success
Established since 2010...
A friend saw an advertisement in the local County Gazette about the Local Business Accelerator (LBA) which was backed by BBC Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and Prime Minister David Cameron, looking for young businesses to apply for 12 months free mentoring and advertising to boost their business.
Karen Dobson, sole owner of Azana Photo Frames decided to apply and was overwhelmed when she became shortlisted in November 2011.
Squealing with joy ‘Oh my gosh!’ ‘Oh my gosh!’ and leaping up in the air.
Karen had forgotten all about the competition as she was so busy with orders during the Christmas period, then came the good news in the New Year 2012 – Azana Photo Frames was chosen as a regional winner of the LBA with another winner Martin Hill Photography who was also fortunate to be successful.
Karen has prided herself with her hard work and has done everything from scratch by herself, starting her business in the dining room then gradually growing and moving to a bigger space in her country home.
In the Press
Read Karen's Success for Azana Photo Frames - Local Business Accelerators Winner
Small Business Sunday
Winner of Small Business Sunday (SBS) with another BBC Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis in July 2012.
Small Business Sunday, shortened to the hash tag #SBS on Twitter, was created by Theo in October 2010. Each week Theo reviews and chooses his favourite lucky six businesses who are then re-tweeted. The benefits range from increased Twitter followers to positive media publicity and increased sales.
Yay!
In 2013, Karen earns a Powerseller status on eBay and is currently a Top Rated Seller.
After being successful with her sales on eBay marketplace (2013), then she joined Amazon (2014), a giant marketplace to sell further.
I've had many people asking why aren't you on Etsy showcasing your work? - Okay, here I am ...joined Etsy, July 2021. Handmade at Etsy I only realise many buyers prefer Etsy to shop and I can understand why...it's full of craftmans and artisans showcasing their work! Buyer like to see what the seller make, they are unique and full of quirky items. Buyer can see who the seller is and see what goes on behind the scenes on their social media platfoms. Buyer can request custom order for a bespoke item.
Karen is currently running three online platforms and sometimes offline to exhibit in the national and regional baby shows and local craft fayres in the West Country.
Event;
The Baby Show, ExCel London - 20th -22nd February 2015 - stand N35 next to Mothercare.
SBS Award Event - January 2015 - Karen seen pictured with Theo Paphitis and husband Jamie Dobson at the Small Business Sunday (SBS) event at the International Conference Centre, Birmingham where she and over 400 winners received a certificate award.
Featured in the Somerset County Gazette - 9 January 2015
Taunton business grabs the attention of former Dragon's Den investor Theo Paphitis
Wow...sooo much interest from potential overseas buyers!
In March 2015, Karen now ships to Europe, New Zealand, Australia and United States after receiving emails from potential buyers overseas wanting to order our personalised frames after seeing them on Pinterest. Thanks to our IT consultant and developer Alan Wyatt-Jones who implemented the website for Azana Photo Frames.
Update 02/08/2016 - Overseas sales have increased by 88% - by recommendations and reviews....thank you!