In the vibrant Caribbean island of Dominica, small businesses play a crucial role in the local economy. One such entrepreneur is Vanessa, a dedicated businesswoman who saw a need in her community and decided to act on it. With a background rooted in the auto industry, Vanessa has used her passion and determination to build a successful auto parts business. Recently, she has adopted Loyverse to help streamline her business operations, and in this interview, she shares her journey, insights, and experiences.

Why, how, and when did you start your business?

I started my business about 4 or 5 years ago. I noticed a need in my community for auto parts, and that’s when I took a chance and opened a small store to provide that service. My business focuses on selling auto parts, and I felt that offering these products would help meet the needs of local consumers.

What was your main motivation for starting the business?

My husband is in the business of ordering and reselling vehicles, and we also run a car rental company. I saw that an auto parts business would not only complement our car rental company but also serve the needs of the community. So, the motivation came from both wanting to support my family business and fill a gap in the market.

Do you have competitors, and what makes your business stand out?

In my immediate community, I don’t have any direct competitors, which is a great advantage. However, in nearby communities, there are others offering similar services. But right here, I’m the only one in this line of business. I haven’t monopolized the market, but in my community, I’ve built something that’s unique and slowly expanding.

What is your mindset or philosophy in running your business?

My goal is to grow my business into a larger, successful auto parts company. However, given the current economic situation in my country, things haven’t been moving as quickly as I had hoped. But despite the challenges, I’m committed to achieving success and expanding step by step.

How did you find Loyverse, and how has it helped your business?

I learned about Loyverse through a friend who owns a small restaurant. She recommended the app to me when I mentioned I needed help managing my inventory. I was initially considering QuickBooks, but after she gave me a demo of Loyverse, I decided to give it a try. I’ve only been using it for about a month, so I’m still learning. There are some teething problems, but I find the live chat support helpful when I have questions.

What features of Loyverse have you found most useful?

The feature I love the most is that I can monitor my business even when I’m not in the shop. I can check my sales, compare the actual stock in the store with what’s in the system, and keep track of my inventory. This ability to have real-time reporting has really made a difference in managing my business more effectively.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to start a business?

I believe it’s a great idea for young people to start their own business, even if they are already employed. Sometimes, the salary from a job isn’t enough to cover all your expenses, so having a side business can provide that extra income. It doesn’t have to be big—just find your niche, and you’ll be able to create employment for yourself and maybe even for others.

Conclusion:

Loyverse has become an important tool for Vanessa as she manages her growing auto parts business in Dominica. The ability to track sales and inventory remotely has given her more control and flexibility. While she’s still learning the system, she sees the potential for Loyverse to continue supporting her business operations. For Vanessa, tools like Loyverse help her to focus on what really matters: growing her business and serving her community.