Planet Mermaid’s success story
Finding the perfect premises can be a daunting task for any business. For Planet Mermaid, a rising star in the world of aquatic fashion, this was no exception. Hoping to match their rapid growth with a suitable location, they turned to the expertise of the Growth Hub. What ensued was not just assistance, but a transformative partnership that propelled Planet Mermaid to new heights.
Planet Mermaid, a Central Bedfordshire-based retail business had been steadily growing for 10 years when they recognised they required new premises to meet the increasing demands of their customers. Having heard of the Growth Hub via a friend, owner Magdalena Jovanovic, reached out for support. Magdalena worked closely with business adviser Kelly Griffiths to map out the requirements of their new building.
“I wasn’t sure what was available, as I was moving from Bedford Borough to Central Bedfordshire. So, I reached out to the Growth Hub for guidance” explained Magdalena.
“I met with Kelly Griffiths, whose knowledge of the commercial property world was invaluable. Her advice was way beyond what I was expecting to receive and I’m now paying less because of her knowledge and guidance.”
“I don’t have a great deal of commercial property background, so to have access to a business adviser with specific skills was invaluable.”
With any ecommerce store, the need to have showstopping visuals and eye-catching content is key to raising the profile of a business. Planet Mermaid was no different. Having successfully moved into new premises, Planet Mermaid continued to lean on the Growth Hub for support. When Growth Curve was launched, Kelly recognised Planet Mermaid would be an ideal business for the programme. The programme offered business leaders a chance to hone their skills and equip them to grow through a course of peer learning sessions. It also presented the opportunity to apply for grant funding. Planet Mermaid jumped at the opportunity to take part.
Planet Mermaid applied for funding to invest in new photography and videography of their new product line, Colour in Mermaid Messenger bag, and Kelly again supported Magdalena throughout the application process
“Working with a business from the region was great. I was able to speak face-to-face about an issue I had – it was an open door!”
“I’d never applied for grant funding before and wasn’t sure what I needed to include.
“The support on the end of the phone was so helpful. I’m certain Kelly’s guidance was the difference between me receiving funding and not.
“As part of the application process, I had to explain the brand story of Planet Mermaid to the grant panel. With Kelly’s help, I was able to translate this really well. This added to my knowledge base regarding the company I built from the ground up. I needed the panel to understand our journey!”
Having successfully received their grant, Planet Mermaid was able to invest in high-quality, professional photography and videography for their new product line.
“The investment helped create continued high-end content that we are proud of to a brand new product. I have always had to pay for this service without grants. It was a nice relief to have financial assistants to continue our brand awareness with the colour in bag.
“Without high-impact visuals, you’re not taken seriously in the ecommerce world. The whole focus of the Colour in Mermaid Messenger bag range of products was to encourage children to get off mobile phones and gadgets and promote colouring in as a healthy and fun thing to do. With the funding, we’ve broken into new markets, and continued to raise our profile globally.”
Since their investment, Plant Mermaid has continued to go from strength to strength. In 2023, their brilliant work resulted in international music superstar Shakira modelling the ‘Moonlight Sparkle Fin’ for Vogue Magazine’s 60 years of fashion celebration.
“It was wonderful they kept it a secret who’d be modelling our Mermaid Tail & Fin.
“It’s been great to make an impact with something so innovative. There’s a growing awareness of the benefits our range of products can have, and they’re encouraging children and adults to get into the water and have fun. We like to think we’ve impacted people’s well-being.
Planet Mermaid has grown from a small online Ebay shop back in 2009 to now a leading UK Internationally selling Mermaiding portal. Even with our continued growth we are grounded and put quality and magical customer service at the top of our mermaid tails list. We assure all our customers of the following:
‘Come Swim With us’ 10th August in Bedford
Join Planet Mermaid for Mermaid Afternoon Tea & Swim this August. The event offers a magical swimming experience for children, where they get to wear mermaid/shark tails and explore a world of make-believe magic in the pool. The swimming session includes approximately 40 minutes of free play family fun.
The event includes a delicious mermaid/shark-themed Afternoon Tea, featuring dress-up for adults and kids, ocean-inspired education along with lots of fun surprises! This allows participants to immerse themselves in the world of make-believe magic. Book your ticket using the QR code.
