Be confident, work hard and follow your dreams. Learn from each set-back and believe in yourself.
Christina Hall is Director of Aqua Living Limited, the brand-new online water lifestyle store which aims to kit the whole family out with everything they need for a fun and adventurous life on, in or near the water. AquaLiving.co.uk is the creation of husband and wife team Christina and Alistair Hall, and their twin boys – who were the inspiration for the business. Christina spotted a gap in the market for an online store that provided more than just the usual marine chandlery equipment and clothing, and that encouraged the fun and adventurous water lifestyle that they wanted to provide for their family and friends.
Offering a curated collection of leading lifestyle brands Aqua Living stocks a range of unique products, from deck shoes and floatation gilets to lifejackets, swimming googles and inflatable paddleboards. AquaLiving.co.uk provides everything you need to keep you safe on the water, whilst having fun with family and friends.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
We grew up on the South Coast of England and following the birth of our twin boys, quickly realised the need for practical, water-friendly and waterproof products when swimming, at the beach, on a boat, in the garden or just pottering around in the rain. We decided to open a store that provides quality lifestyle products for families spending time on or near the water.
Stocking big name marine and outdoor lifestyle brands such as Baltic, CamelBak, Intex, Jobe and OverBoard, AquaLiving.co.uk also offers a unique range of eco-friendly kids toys and re-fillable water bottles and is committed to environmental conservation, supporting marine charities including the UK Marine Conservation Society.
Aqua Living is a new one-stop-shop that’s curated everything you and your family need to enjoy life by the sea.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Working out of a small warehouse in Chichester most days start with a frenzy of activity getting our two boys ready for school. I tend to check social media and emails at home on the move and then head to the office to work through a long to-do list which consists of marketing,PR, finance, office administration, HR and logistics.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We work closely with many experts in design, marketing, PR, SEO and e-commerce which helps bring the brand to life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI and creating a personalised shopping experience based on people’s interests.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I am passionate about the Aqua Living brand and the products we stock and creating an online shopping experience that donates and works to support marine conservation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be confident, work hard and follow your dreams. Learn from each set-back and believe in yourself.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
You don’t have to be a Olympian to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, nearly everyone can get on the water no matter what their age or ability.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Listen to podcasts, read articles and listen to people for continued learning and development.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Starting up a business it’s vital to connect and share your business with your network of family, friends and business supporters. Networking and attending events locally and further afield is a great way of reaching new audiences and customers.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I nearly launched our website on a platform that wasn’t really geared up for e-commerce and inventory management but I migrated a few weeks prior to launch and streamlined our business with the move.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A great way to start is by offering a friends and family discount to kick-start initial orders.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
We purchased branded polo shirts and promotional banner for our first event which was good for brand awareness and made us and the event stand look smart too!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Xero for our business accounting with cost codes allocated for all spend it helps us budget and forecast much more efficiently. I can see what YTD spend is for marketing and review opportunities and spend accordingly.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I don’t read much but Podcasts and TedTalks are great for motivation.
What is your favorite quote?
“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable.” Sir David Attenborough
Key learnings:
- AquaLiving.co.uk is a new water lifestyle store which supports marine conservation
- Network and attend events to build your business community and audiences
- Branding and marketing with the help of experts in specific technologies and industries will help market your business more effectively
- Love what you do and stay positive!
Connect:
www.linkedin.com/in/christina-hall-206261162
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.