Business: Hampstead Village

Location: La Arcada Court, Santa Barbara

Established: December 2010

Angela Torin dreamed of one day opening a store in Santa Barbara specializing in all the fine goods she once had at her fingertips in England. With retail experience in England under her belt, she took WEV's Self-Employment Training (SET) course to gain the knowledge and network needed to transform her dream into reality. Just seven months after graduating from the SET program, Angela opened Hampstead Village in Santa Barbara's charming La Arcada Court.

What prompted you to open Hampstead Village? For a number of years I have been considering opening a business here in Santa Barbara. I wanted it to be a unique and elegant store specializing in fine British goods and evoking memories of adventure and nostalgia. I envisioned my customers being able to search for that required travel book for an upcoming trip to the Scottish Highlands, having a desire to find that perfect Irish recipe, finding a delightful English Lily of the Valley fragrance or have a simple hankering for some good old fashioned chocolate biscuits.

I wanted a Childrens Corner offering Peter Rabbit china, memorable books and Sunday afternoon readings of classic stories by the cozy fireplace. Beautiful pottery, china and crystal, unusual teapots, perfumes and Union Jack linens and then of course plenty of food and chocolate!

What role did WEV play in the opening of your business? Having been in retail many years ago in England, I needed to update my computer skills, refresh my understanding of doing business in California and learn to write an up to date business plan.

In short, I needed the courage, confidence and knowledge to be able to put my dream into action. I knew as soon as I attended the first night of the SET course that WEV was the place where I would be challenged and gain the necessary information.

I was most impressed from the start how every week was dedicated to one particular aspect of running a business, such as legal and tax requirements, advertising and marketing, to name a few with a professional speaker for each subject. Gradually over the 14 week period and without feeling overwhelmed, a business plan began to take shape and new friendships were born, each of us concerned about the other's success.

What advice do you offer other women who might want to start their own business? The need for a concise and well-constructed business plan is not only useful but vital. It will represent you in your search for the perfect retail space, a business loan if required or simply to keep you on track with your concept. I refer to mine constantly, particularly the cash flow projection, which is invaluable for long term planning.

I have been fortunate to find my perfect retail store in La Arcada Courtyard and have been open now since December 1st. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to Women's Economic Ventures without whom I may still be wondering what it would be like to own a British Store in Santa Barbara!