Last year we introduced you to Petit Collage — a San Francisco-based producer of modern baby and child wall décor and accessories — and owner/designer/artist Lorena Siminovich. Petit Collage received $150,000 through PCV’s loan program, plus free expert advice through our Business Advising program.
It’s been just over a year, so how is Petit Collage doing?
Lorena’s projecting her 2014 revenues will clock in at $1,955,000 — almost $1,000,000 more than in 2013. Some of the factors that have sparked this rise are:
- A new relationship with a distributor in Australia, which has opened up new markets to her and her business.
- A contract with Citrus Lane, a subscription box service where mothers receive a monthly box of “surprise” baby items for a monthly fee.
- Her sales manager is now developed enough professionally to identify which states are trending what way, and which products are trending.
What’s Next For This Small Business?
This fall, Lorena will be presenting at the largest baby gifts tradeshow in the world, in Cologne, Germany. While she’s there, she’s hoping to ink agreements to distribute her products in five EU countries, including Germany and Spain. At the same time, her staff will be attending largest baby gifts tradeshow in the U.S., in Las Vegas.
And she’s had a number of successes this year, beyond growing her revenues. She’s hired two more folks to her staff (now up to 7!), and Petit Collage was selected as a case study by the MBA design program at California College of the Arts.
So what’s left to do? Despite her successes this year, she’s still trying to grow her online shop. A user-focused website and e-commerce storefront are critical to sustaining a business these days. Lorena has been able to retain a marketing firm to assess her progress, and they’re beginning to work with her on messaging and branding.
In the market for a gift for a newborn you know? Check out Petit Collage. We’re partial to the wooden toys. And if you know of a local entrepreneur that could benefit from a SAIL loan like Lorena’s, have them reach out to Carly to see just how much working capital their small business is qualified for.