Shropshire lad goes from back bedroom selling to top five entrepreneur
During the last three years the UK has been going through a major recession. Try telling this to Shrewsbury based business owner Lee Minshall who has grew a business he knew nothing about from selling one party product per week on eBay into one of Britain’s largest online party stores within three years.
Lee who like many others at the age of 21 found himself without a job and despite not using a computer since he left school, decided to sell a fancy dress costume on eBay he picked up from his Mum and Dad who run The Giant Party Shop in Shrewsbury town centre.
Having sold this for a small profit, Lee then got the eBay bug and worked tirelessly day and night listing costumes, packing them himself and walking them to the post office in all weathers.
After around twelve months Lee’s reputation became well known on eBay having only ever receiving positive feedback which was very unusual for an amateur online seller. With lot’s of support from friends and family helping with a high load of packing Lee was able to offer next day delivery on a small amount of products even if orders were placed as late as 9pm.
In order to create more demand for business and to offer customers more of what they require Lee knew he had to create a website with a huge choice of products and also he knew he would have to employ as well as open a warehouse and offices or the alternative was to find a job as selling a few products from home would never sustain a decent lifestyle.
He took the first option and with many setbacks hard work and determination Lee has now grown the business at an unbelievable rate and his success has recently been recognised after becoming a top five entrepreneur for his age when he attended a business summit in London, which has also been graced by inspirational speakers such as Dragon’s Den stars Simon woodroffe and Duncan Bannatyne.
Recently at the summit Lee Minshall also met Michelle Mone founder of ultimo Lingerie as well as the world’s leading Hypnotist Paul Mckenna and well known comedienne and business psychologist Ruby wax.
‘Lee recently said although I have a long way to go in terms of becoming a leading expert in fancy dress and reaching my end goal I am happy my determination to succeed has been recognised and hopefully I can inspire other youngsters to follow in my footsteps and do even better.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and also thank my great team of staff as I could not have got this far them.
