35 COMPANY PROFILE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Having overcome challenges as a start-up, D & J Glassware is now a mainstay of the gift industry, having built up a loyal customer base over the past twenty years. Here, co-founder Jocelyne talks to Gift Focus about the brand... When did you start up and why? We started D & J Glassware in 2002. David had worked for many years in a senior sales role for blue chip companies, latterly in the horticultural industry. Jocelyne is a chartered accountant with experience of both large multi-national and small family-owned companies. However, we both had an entrepreneurial leaning: David’s starting at a very early age hiring out fountain pens to his classmates! What prompted you to launch the business? We had travelled throughout Europe and had seen beautiful glassware that was not available in the UK. We were particularly impressed by the design and use of colour. So, to use that well worn phrase, ‘it seemed a good idea’ to start a business importing the lovely glass we had seen. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? Probably too many to mention! As any small business owner will say, you have to wear so many hats and we learned that pretty quickly. Essentially we ignored the advice of going into business in an industry where we already had experience and contacts. Instead we started with a blank piece of paper on our kitchen table and took it from there. In the early years our home resembled a warehouse, with every spare inch devoted to the business in one way or another. We were so delighted to move into dedicated business premises in 2012. Tell us about your product offering. We specialise in hand crafted products that show flair and are of great quality. Our offering has changed considerably
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