Running a small business can sometimes feel like you’re doing everything alone. In Rarotonga, this was the case for Lovey’s Soap business owner Mary Fortes. This all changed when Mary accessed business advisors through the BLP advisory network—and she encourages other SMEs to do the same.

Mary owns local business Lovey’s Soap, a family business making beautiful handmade soaps using locally inspired ingredients including Noni, Moringa and Soursop.

Each bar is made and cut by hand, with seven varieties currently available, all crafted with care.

For some time, Mary managed the business largely on her own. She says she was not aware that business advisory support was available to help small businesses like hers.

“I wasn’t aware this kind of support even existed,” Mary says. “I felt like I was on my own. But that’s not the case at all.”

That changed when Mary connected with Mereani and James Talbot from Easy Digital Solutions, one of BLP’s approved Business Advisory Service Providers in the Cook Islands. As an advisor in the BLP Advisory network, Mary was able to access a BLP subsidy with Easy Digital Solutions making their services for more affordable for Mary’s business.

Mary took part in coaching sessions with Mereani and James and worked through the development of a Business Plan, which helped her look more closely at her products, market, pricing and the direction she wanted to take the business.

One of the practical outcomes was a new website for Lovey’s Soap. The website gives customers a place to learn about her products, get in touch and place orders online.

For Mary, the process also helped her think beyond the day-to-day running of the business.

“It broadened my goals for Lovey’s Soap,” she says. “I started actually envisioning what the next 6 to 12 months could look like.”

Mary says the support has also changed how she approaches her business. She feels more confident about making decisions and has become more open to connecting and working with other business owners.

“Just knowing the support is there, through emails, through connections, makes all the difference,” she says. “It’s changed how I run my business day-to-day.”

For other business owners who may be unsure about seeking support, Mary encourages them to make the most of the opportunities available.

“Take the time. Take the opportunity. I highly recommend their services.”

For Mary, the experience has been a reminder that running a small business does not have to mean doing everything alone.

“Meitaki Maata,” she says, expressing her thanks for the support, guidance and connections that have helped her look at Lovey’s Soap with a clearer sense of where she wants to take it next. Visit Lovey’s Soap online:  https://www.kukify.shop/loveys-soap/shop

With a clearer plan, greater confidence and a stronger support network, Mary is now well placed to guide Lovey’s Soap into its next chapter—showing what can happen when small business owners connect with the right advice at the right time.

To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.

The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.