In a remarkable leap of entrepreneurship, Carly Keates has turned her home-based travel business into a physical shop just over a year since its inception.
Initially operating from an office within a boxing academy, Keates’ new store represents a strategic expansion aimed at enhancing customer engagement and broadening market reach.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Carly Keates, a dedicated homeworker from Leek, Staffordshire, has taken a significant step forward by launching her first physical shop after only a year in operation. The establishment, The Vacay store, welcomed its first customers on October 19, marking a transformative moment for Keates’ business journey. Located on Cruso Street, this new venture aims to expand Keates’ reach beyond her home office, enhancing customer interaction and gaining visibility within the local market.
Building on Early Success
The opening event was described as a “massive” success by Carly Keates, with more than 40 individuals from 10 families booking their holidays during the celebration. This resulted in over £35,000 in sales, showcasing the strong demand and engagement from the community. Keates attributes the choice of location to her established local following and the reasonable overheads, which provide an added advantage in fostering business growth. Her decision to move from her home office to a brick-and-mortar location represents a strategic decision to leverage physical presence, a crucial factor in the travel retail sector.
A Supportive Network
For over 12 months, Keates operated from within her husband’s community boxing club, Keatesy’s Boxing Academy. This unusual workspace reflects Keates’ adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. Keith expressed her gratitude towards her business partners and suppliers, notably Protected Trust Services (PTS), which have been instrumental in providing the necessary support and knowledge for her success. She acknowledges the continuous guidance offered by PTS and emphasizes the supportive roles played by major suppliers such as Jet2holidays, easyJet holidays, Tui, and Ocean Florida.
Initial Steps and Career Path
Keates embarked on her career in the travel sector at the age of 18, starting with XL Airways at Manchester airport. Her portfolio expanded further as she later ventured into working with Tui as an agent. Her diverse career experiences have equipped her with invaluable insights and skills needed to thrive in the competitive travel industry. Currently, she offers a wide array of travel products rather than focusing on a particular niche, allowing her to cater to a broader client base and attract business from across the UK.
Confronting Challenges
Despite remarkable progress, Keates candidly shares the personal challenges she has faced, particularly in regard to her mental health struggles. Overcoming these difficulties has been a vital aspect of her journey. “I want people to see me as a way of proving that it doesn’t matter what’s going on, you can achieve anything,” Keates stated, highlighting her resilience and determination. These personal battles have not deterred her enthusiasm or commitment to providing exceptional service and building a successful enterprise.
Looking Ahead
With aspirations to expand her business further, Keates considers the physical shop as just the beginning of her growth plans. She hopes to open additional branches in the future, with the support of her suppliers and PTS. Emma Collis, PTS executive director, praised Keates’ progress, acknowledging her ambition and the strategic location of the new store. Collis expressed confidence in Keates’ potential to grow her retail presence in the coming years. Such endorsements underscore the viability and potential success of Keates’ entrepreneurial ventures.
Carly Keates’ journey from working out of a community boxing club to opening her own travel shop is a testament to her vision and determination. By leveraging local support and maintaining strong partnerships, she has set a solid foundation for further expansion and success within the travel industry. Her story exemplifies the importance of resilience and strategic growth in achieving business objectives.
Keates’ venture into a physical retail presence marks a significant milestone in her business journey. Her ability to overcome challenges and build robust support systems positions her well for future expansion.
