We chat with Lauren Palmer who has started her own social media company
Lauren Palmer is the 24-year-old owner of Shuffle Media, a social media services company based in Regus, Montecasino.
How did your business start?
After my studies, I managed to get an internship with a social media company and really enjoyed it. Eventually, I went on my own and in April 2016, when I was managing a few accounts, I registered Shuffle Media to operate under. From there it has developed very organically into what it is today and we absolutely love it. Each client brings new ideas and new potential for the company to grow.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I live in a flat in Douglasdale, so I came to have a look at the Regus space. I fell in love and it’s great because it’s literally up the road from my house.
How did you find your premises?
I began to Google and see what co-working options there were out there. I’d been working from home for a long time and I thought it was time to find somewhere to work. Regus came up and I sent a few emails and within a week I’d received the quote and gone for a viewing.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
I love the co-working nature of the office. Having your own business is difficult as you are often on your own which can be detrimental to your business’s growth. I have incredible people in my office and the energy there is what has helped me grow and develop my company. There are other businesses who work there and we are all able to bounce ideas off one another. The fast Wi-Fi helps me massively as my entire business is online.
Who are your neighbours?
Tsogo Sun is in the building and the Palazzo Hotel is there as well, along with the other small businesses who share my space.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
Regus has a range of prices, depending on what you are looking for. For an individual office, you will be looking at more, however, if you only want a spot in the virtual lounge then your monthly rental will be much cheaper.
How many people go through your store each day?
Our premises are very busy and new people are constantly walking around. There are conferences and meetings happening on all floors, so I wouldn’t even be able to tell you how many people.
Do you have any expansion plans?
I do have expansion plans in the form of hiring more people, and the beauty with that is that I am able to simply ask Regus to look into other offices, another co-working desk or anything I want.
Do you operate online as well?
I operate entirely online.
What’s your most popular service?
People always want that extra bit of help on Facebook and Twitter. In order to maximise the potential there, it’s important that someone is tapping into the capabilities that all of those platforms have on offer.
Shuffle Media
072 412 1953
shufflemediasa.com
Words: Georgina Guedes | Images: Supplied
