After going to a tea party and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere, Latina Cooper, decided in February of 2004, that she would start a business of her own, which would fuse the idea of a tea party setting with that of a trade show. According to Mrs Cooper, this is how the Tea Time Trade Show Company was born. After being a stay at home mom, Mrs Cooper decided to branch out and establish the company because she felt it would provide her with an avenue to contribute to her household.
According to Mrs Cooper, a tea party theme is selected for each of her shows. The themes are used to make the ambiance of the environment very relaxing and inviting for the guests. This business savvy entrepreneur said the key to her success in the trade show industry comes from placing God first, in addition to offering quality items at a reasonable price for valued customers.
Some of the featured merchandise at the Tea Time shows, range from goods such as cosmetics, clothing, jewellery and accessories, which consist of fashion handbags, belts and shoes. To add to the fine details of hosting an elegant evening for show-goers, Mrs Cooper said it was essential that the events were hosted at fine resorts, such as the British Colonial Hilton. In addition to being treated to a fashion show at the event, show-goers are treated to a cocktail reception, which include hors d’oeuvres and wine.
The Company: Tea Time Trade Shows is a company, that was established in 2004. The company’s main objective is to promote businesses and products through trade shows.
The job: I am the event hostess and organizer of the show. I do all of the leg work, inclusive of inviting persons to take part in the show, finding venues and I also do all of the administrative work.
Favourite part of the job: I enjoy meeting and helping people to launch their business and giving people an opportunity to make their business a household name.
Least favourite part of the job: The least favourite part of the job for me is hearing someone say no, to having their business promoted-because it is not for my personal gain-but it is a missed opportunity for them to have their business known.
Tips for employee retention: Be honest with your employees and build an open line of communication with them, while still maintaining an employee and employer relationship. In addition, offer employees incentives.
Doing business in The Bahamas: Too many people are doing the same thing in The Bahamas. I think originality needs to step in. I found that a unique business in The Bahamas could be very profitable.
Staff meetings: Meeting should be in place for communication reasons. They are also held to encourage the staff.
Impressed by: I’m impressed by the excitement of persons who want to have their business promoted.
Management advice: I think that business owners should put God first. You must be disciplined when it comes to your money and I also think business owners should pay themselves a salary, in order to manage the business’ funds efficiently.
Desired quality in an employee: I think an employee should be outgoing, friendly and dependable. A lot of employees are not dependable; on many occasions, business owners find themselves doing jobs they’ve hired employees to do. So it is very important for an employee to be dependable.
Favourite book and pastime: My favourite book is the Bible. I see it as B-asic I-nstructions B-efore L-eaving E-arth. It is a tool I use for comfort and advice. I also love going to the beach and I enjoy spending time with my husband and son.
Last words: I encourage persons to consult God on the simplest things and if you want to open your business, make sure it is something that God has ordained for you to do and step out on faith.
By: By LaShonne Outten, The Nassau Guardian
