Show notes
Feb 3, 2025
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, host Kevin Brent is joined by Charlotte Melia, the inspiring founder of D&F Creative, to explore how she scaled her international events business across London, New York, and Riyadh. Charlotte shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her evolution from organising children's parties to delivering high-profile corporate events globally. She opens up about the challenges of scaling internationally, from managing cash flow to hiring senior leadership and balancing the demands of running a business as a single mother.
This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, female founders, and anyone navigating international growth. Charlotte also shares valuable advice on building networks, refining pitches, and embracing bold decisions when scaling up.
- D&F Creative’s Business
Evolution:
- Originated as a children’s party business before pivoting to corporate events
- Expanded into corporate events, focusing on sports fan zones, internal communications, and brand activations.
- Achieved international growth with offices in London, New York, and Riyadh, delivering results faster than expected, including three events in Riyadh within ten weeks.
- Challenges of Scaling Internationally:
- Transitioning from upfront private event payments to 30-60 day corporate payment terms caused cash flow strain.
- Seasonal revenue fluctuations led to opening a Middle East office to bridge gaps in Q1 business.
- Hiring senior roles, such as a Financial Director and operations leads, to address leadership gaps.
- Balancing international travel demands while parenting a son with severe autism.
- Advice for Female Founders:
- Build strong networks and learn from connections.
- Practice your elevator pitch through competitions to refine your message.
- Be bold in pursuing international opportunities and pivoting when needed.
- Surprisingly, the Saudi market has proven to be very supportive of women-owned businesses.
- Sustainability Initiatives:
- Prioritising local supply chains in all regions.
- Vetting vendors based on sustainability credentials.
- Implementing a no single-use plastics policy worldwide.
- Investing profits into a biodegradable balloon research project with Imperial College London.
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Charlotte.
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Charlotte can be found here: