Michele Quastel

Who are you?

My name is Michele Quastel and I am the founder and CEO of Le Kevin, an optical and lifestyle accessories brand,

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Tell me about your business

Le Kevin manufactures and distributes a comprehensive unisex accessories range internationally, both B2C and B2B. Our products are high end designer accessories that focus on the fashion and eyewear markets.

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What challenges have you faced during your business journey?

Generating enough exposure and working out routes to market and managing cashflow. Navigating Brexit and working through the stop /start of a pandemic

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How can engaging with a 3rd party mentor/consultant help small businesses such as Le Kevin?

An expert mentor such as Stephanie can take an overview when you are too close to the situation and provide a sounding board rather than ideas that continually go round in your head. Even if you eventually come to the same conclusion it is having someone to bounce off and say and what do you think?  Running a small business can feel isolating sometimes – every entrepreneur needs a reassuring and specialist to brainstorm with at times.  We need to put time aside to manage our business not just run it.

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Tell me about your engagement with Beacon

Stephanie is super smart, personable and approachable. When you talk to Stephanie you can feel she has weathered the same issues you are experiencing and so it is tried and tested advice.  Like having a best friend with the best business advice.

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Stephanie has the quality of putting you at ease and you feel you can share both your professional and personal side. It’s a winning combination and creates a sense of trust. There is a commonality – shared ambition and goals which provide the necessary springboard to do more, strive for more and not give up in the face of adversity!

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