“Remember your why every day. There will be huge hills, even cliffs to climb, but by being persistent and overcoming them, you will grow and your wins will become even more worthy.”
Confident, playful and directive. These are the three words that Nikki Rowlands of MAC Apps Co uses to describe herself. They are also the qualities that have guided her to successfully grow as a business woman.
With over 15 years of experience running her businesses from home, Nikki is an entrepreneur who values honesty, patience and having an open mind to planning.
She first started running a luxury linen and interiors consulting business for homeowners located nationally and internationally before shifting to a membership. Soon after, she founded MAC Apps Co, to develop tech tools for similar business owners. Using her own experiences as a reference, Nikki’s team has since developed two mobile applications: a buyer calculator and the MemberApp.
MemberApp is a single platform that allows membership creators to build their brand, showcase their content and engage with their members. It limits the stress of engaging with new technologies by supporting long-term business growth.
Nikki is always eager to support others no matter who they are through her businesses. She is especially excited to see how her businesses will continue to grow.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
I have a favorite type of entrepreneur, and that is anyone who has an idea, does the homework and picks up that chin, uses their voice and shares their passion to help others grow. Be it making customers feel fabulous in an outfit, making them feel empowered, making them feel stress free, healthier.. the list goes on.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I initially registered with HerBusiness when I started my membership off the back of my luxury linen and interiors consulting business. That membership took me to a new level making me grow further to helping like minded businesses looking to support others via a membership.
I wanted to create tools for these businesses, making their efforts effortless, as I call it.
MAC APPS was born and after creating my first buyer calculator app, I moved onto a larger app which really is there to kill the tech stress, help redirect precious business funds into other avenues and not all in tech… which seems to be the issue for many, to simply house their businesses.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
When planning the business, the services and products on offer, it’s always exciting to see how it can grow and where is can go. With my linen business we offered ready made bedding, then shifted to made to order, and consulting, these additions really helped us become trusted and appreicated not only for our product but for offering something more than just a product, and we found our clients really appreciated that. Now with MAC APPS, we can see how MemberApp can grow, but addition to this how the other offerings can help these businesses with support, and more.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Be time realistic – obviously put out the “good vibes” but never presume your door will be flooded with clients
- Really think about your client, what they want and need. Who do you want to serve. Then orientate your product or service around them, whilst still offering your expertese.
- Know your skill set and where to really off load those tasks that can cost you more than time if you try to do it your self all the time. There is always a way to find help, and it doesnt always cost money.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Remember your why every day. There will be huge hills, even cliffs to climb, but by being persistent and overcoming them, you will grow and your wins will become that even more worthy.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Honestly, honesty is important. Be honest with yourself at every step.
Research, because we dont know everything
Listen, because you can learn a lot
Have a voice, because you will be heard
Be patient, because you your efforts will be rewarded
Understanding and having an open mind to planning. Plan everything and be invloved.
Really work out your strengths then you can work out your real skills and the knowlege you can utilise and also learn.
Great listener / great seller
Problem Solver / create great solutions
Love tech / build your business backend
Having a basic understand of what your business needs to run, engage, sell and retain is important. Work out where you can really dive into and where you need help.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
Tasks ran efficiently and a team that loved their work because they could see how we help others and why we do what we do.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Networking and finding like minded women.
Learn more about Nikki and MAC Apps Co here
