Interview: Lidy Baars

Every month or so we'll be introducing you to an inspiring entrepreneur who turned their passion into a successful business.  Today, we're talking with Lidy Baars (pronounced Lee-dee), aesthetic genius and founder of FrenchGardenHouse.com. A mompreneur who took her expert eye and filled a need not only for her clients, but for herself.   

Tell us about your company.

I sell French and Continental Antiques with American antique pieces thrown in for fun. I’m in Huntington Beach, California, and I launched my online antique business in April, 2007. I’ve always had a love for things from the past, and the stories they whisper of those who came before us.

How did you get started with all of this?

To be honest, I began my antique business as a way to have a creative outlet during a time when one of our children had a serious medical condition 18 years ago. We almost lost her three times, and I desperately needed to have something just for me.I always thrived on creating a beautiful home both here in the states and in Europe for my family, and had a desire to help others give their home the same kind of casual elegance to make it a warm and welcoming haven for their family and friends. So many of my friends asked me to help them find unusual antiques for their own homes, that FrenchGardenHouse was a natural next step for me.

What was your start-up investment?

I saved $800.00 and set out to buy some vintage and antique pieces that I loved, and thought others would love too. I made a few sachets from antique laces and French fabrics, filled those with lavender and created some gift tags and cards to sell. I hired a web designer to create FrenchGardenHouse.com. I also scheduled an advertisement in a home décor magazine that would run right when FrenchGardenHouse went “live.” At the time, the ad was $550.00 per month. Luckily, I already owned a camera, otherwise that would have been part of the investment.

How long did it take you to become profitable?

Since I had such a small investment, the business became profitable in the first three weeks! I had a very attainable goal of making $500.00 that first month, but my total profit the first month was almost triple that!

Where do you find yourself flourishing?

I am lucky that I seem to have what they call in my business a “good eye”, so finding high quality, beautiful antiques is easy for me. I love connecting with people, I try to make shopping at FrenchGardenHouse as personal as I can. I cherish the trust my customers have in me, and take great care to make every part of shopping with me a lovely experience.

Where do you find yourself struggling?

Being too hard on myself. I am a perfectionist, so it’s difficult to accept when things aren’t perfect in my eyes. I love what I do so much that I have to put time limits on my day, and not work all the time. That really is my biggest struggle, I’m pretty good about spending enough time with my family, but this year I have made a concerted effort to spend more time with my friends, too. Work has to be balanced with play, and life.

Three business tools you can’t live without?

Three things that helped me on my journey…

• Avalon Rose Design.Catherine Haugland, the owner and designer, has been my “go to” person from the very beginning. She designed every one of my websites (the same one but there have been four versions over the years) my blog, and most of my print advertising. She has an uncanny knack for understanding what clients need, and has always made my business look amazing!

• Books. I read a lot. Business books can be difficult to read through, but each one has at least one gem or more that I take away and apply to my business. I’ve read many but these two are applicable for everyone who has or wants to have a business. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is one of the many books I have read a few times. The author’s principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems is outlined in 7 steps. A worthwhile read. And Permission Marketing by Seth Godin. How permission marketing changed the way the world makes buying decisions. Anything Seth writes is worthwhile. Google him and sign up for his newsletter.

• Prayer. I know this is not a business tool. But it’s how I start my business day, saying thanks and being grateful for what God provides for me and my business.

If you had to do it all again, what would you change? What would stay the same?

I would not change much, as I learned so much along the way. Looking back, I might have  started offering more high end pieces along with the less expensive antiques. I continually stepped up my online presence, and upgraded the quality of what I sold. But I am grateful for all the lessons I learned along the way, it is what makes my business what it is today. 

What's the best piece of business advice you can share with new entrepreneurs?

Just do it, begin. Once you know what you want to offer, have a name, and a “brand image” for your business as well as a good idea who your clients will be, start. Your business doesn’t have to be perfect, and nothing is written in stone, my business has changed and grown over the last years, and so will yours. If something isn’t working, change it! Instead of putting off having your dream business, begin before you are ready. The key is to begin. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Say YES to opportunities. I try my best to say “yes” to every good opportunity, these days you can google just about everything, there is so much support and information out there. You can figure out most everything. I was asked to write articles about antiques for national magazines, before I was ready, and even though it scared me, I said yes. Writing articles has really increased the visibility for FrenchGardenHouse and credibility for myself as an antique dealer, so I’m glad I pushed my envelope and didn’t just shy away from the challenge. 

* * *

 Shop online at: http://frenchgardenhouse.com/You can also connect via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Got a success story you think our readers would like to hear?Drop us a line with your story and you may be chosen to be part of our interview series!