Rainy Day Box Co- Creator Aly Cranston shares her self starter experience

by Startacus Admin
We have a chat with our current self starter of the week Aly Cranston about her fab award winning business Rainy Day Box Co and what it means to be a self starter.
What do you think make up the characteristics of a Self Starter?
To be a Self Starter you need to be tenacious, driven, extremely hard working and possibly a little bit stubborn.
Let's talk about you! Tell us about your business and where the idea came from?!
After the birth of my son Kit (my little wiggly worm), I knew I was in for a wild ride. One rainy autumn morning when I had no idea how to fill the day with my son,
I decided to put together a box full of different things to amuse us whenever we were bored. It was soon after that I decided other parents could benefit from a Rainy Day Box,
so I set up the business to help grown ups with their own indoor days and also because I felt I had stumbled on a good idea.
How important was market research in getting the product right before launch?
Market research is key to making sure your great idea is not just fantasy and is actually a great idea that others will part with their hard earned money for.
Looking back I think ‘The Rainy Day Box Co’ could have done more, as it would have cut down some of the learning curves at the start.
Talk us through your business highlights to date?
In just a short time The Rainy Day Box Co, has won Theo Paphitis's small business Sunday award. We have also been awarded mentoring by 'The Fixer' Alex Polizzi,
we were nominated for The Guardian small business showcase and won the Vista Print small business grant.
I am currently nominated for a Mumpreneur of the year award and will find out on Thursday the result, so keep your fingers crossed for me.
What plans are in place for the business for the next 6 months?
We have some very exciting times ahead with lots of new boxes about to be launched.
We also have some really cool pitches coming up for various opportunities and I’m expecting my second child in the next few weeks.
How can fellow Startacus members get in touch (apart from via your Startacus profile of course!)
We love a chat so would love fellow startacus members to get in touch, email us info@therainydayboxco.co.uk, call us 01732252255,
tweet us @Rainydayboxco or send carrier pigeons. You can can also visit our website www.therainydayboxco.co.uk
Thanks Aly! We look forward to hearing what other exciting things you and The Rainy Day Box Co get up to next!
If you are a self starter like Aly then why not take a look at our Self Starter Awards and find out how to get involved.
Join Startacus - the Self Start Society!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
New research from Corporate Coach Group reveals the UK's most ambitious cities and includes top tips on how to make 2021 your best year ever when it comes to achieving your goals

The accolade this week goes to MyPlasticDiary, an innovative app which will enable you to track, understand and reduce your plastic footprint

The innovative Spanish startup raises major funding to scale its team and help more businesses design smarter automated conversations with customers

The lowdown on the Japanese robotics startup that has created Qoboo, a therapeutic robot in the form of a cushion with a tail

The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning

10 startups solving challenges the aerospace sector faces are selected for the latest ATI Boeing Accelerator. We took a look at the cohort

Whether you're recruiting for a small tech startup or a large well-established organisation, these tips will help you stay on top of your game

The lowdown on the innovative EdTech app Tappity that's on a mission to help kids learn about science in a way they'll actually enjoy...

AlphaBeats is a startup that's created an innovative way to help us all us fight stress while we unwind listening to our favourite music

Major seed investment secured by the innovative Insurtech startup Nayms to assist with developing further pilot programs and building its customer base
Published on: 26th March 2014
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Where are the UK’s most ambitious people in 2021? 21st Jan 2021 New research from Corporate Coach Group reveals the UK's most ambitious cities and includes top tips on how to make 2021 your best year ever when it comes to achieving your goals
- No-Code Chatbot Builder Landbot Secures $8M Series A 20th Jan 2021 The innovative Spanish startup raises major funding to scale its team and help more businesses design smarter automated conversations with customers
- Supporting disadvantaged children with their online learning 19th Jan 2021 The EverLearner launches a GoFundMe campaign to help disadvantaged children in the UK who are struggling to complete their online learning
- Insurtech startup, Nayms Closes £1.5m seed round 15th Jan 2021 Major seed investment secured by the innovative Insurtech startup Nayms to assist with developing further pilot programs and building its customer base