Q. Please tell us a little about your background.

A. I (Mariana) have a Bachelor in Marketing (specialised in Media), and 7 years of experience in design and marketing.  I worked overseas and in Australia for several industries, needs and economies, and that gave me the experience and the vision to start my own businesses.

Our goal, as a company is to become a top one web-based provider of wedding stationery, by delivering exceptional customer service and meeting the expectations of all our customers. All orders receive the best of our efforts, no matter how big or small. We'd love to be able to help and see the satisfaction on our clients face.

Q. What made you decide to start a website in the Wedding field?

A. I decided to put my artistic talents to work in designing wedding stationery with a modern, elegant yet funky look. We started off catering to the local market, and then focused on selling nationally and mid-way through 2004 we ventured into an online store.

Life and business partner, Garry Peck, came on board and brought to Tango Design years of experience in photography and web marketing.  My main reason to start was the search of balance between work- money- family- personal satisfaction and combine those with my talents, experience and education.

Q. What kind of research went into this niche area before building your website?

A. We have researched locally and on the net, and found most web sites and retails shops were offering very similar handcrafted wedding invitations styles of wedding stationery at a very high price or mass produced ones. We decided to create several exclusive designs for different budgets while offering the possibility to customize them to each individual needs and taste.

Q. How did you design and build your website?

A. We bought a license of Stores online which have templates, and worked on it. We took the photographs, worked on description and keywords, to have a friendly and easy to order wedding Stationery and Jewelry shop.


Q. What software do you use to run your business?

A. Microsoft packages, Corel Draw, Photo Impact, etc.


Q. How does your website generate income?

A. Affiliate programs, our own products, and some imported products.

Q. How do you collect payments for your products or services?

A. Credit cards thru a third party recognize secure site (World Pay), Paypal, and Bank Deposit for Australian Sales.

Q. What promotion methods do you use?

A. Overture, yellow pages, newsletter, affiliate programs, some classified ads, exhibitions.

Q. Which method has proven to give you the best sales results?

A. Exhibitions and yellow pages

Q. Which method of traffic generation has proven to be the best for you?

A. Not any particular one has proved to be a winner, just a combination of them.

Q. What is your biggest challenge each month?

A. To achieve sales, customer satisfaction and referrals.

Q. What's the biggest mistake you've made since starting your business?

A. Choosing products that may be bought only once.

Q. How has your lifestyle changed since you started your online business?

A. I manage my time. I can be near my toddler more time than working for someone else. Freedom. Love it.

Q. How has your SureFireWealth.com membership helped you with your online business?

A. I am a new member, but have found one book so far that I can give free in my industry.

Q. What would you say to someone looking to start a website in the same niche as you?

A. Be different, affordable and learn e-commerce.

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Thanks Mariana and Garry!