#BEYOUROWN MEETS JODIE MARIE RIGBY

Jodie Marie Rigby launched My Dry Ice in April 2018 having rebranding from Lip Service Drinks- a shot selling service which helped nightclubs and bars increase their profits. Lip Service Drinks offered their service to the Manchester elite nightclubs and bars such as Circle Club and Bijou along with taking the service across the seas to the party capital of the world IBIZA. After seeing a need and for dry ice, Jodie decided to rebrand and focus on selling dry ice and equipment plus other party supplies to the North of the UK.

Jodie studied Fashion Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and loves to be creative, so creating an exciting drinking experience for clients suits her personality. To celebrate the launch of My Dry Ice they are holding an official launch Party in Preston. The launch party will be celebrated in Preston first as My Dry Ice look to champion the next generation of artists and give upcoming artists an opportunity to display their work at an event, whilst enjoying the My Dry Ice drinks experience.

Having touched the new celebrity hangout bar Menagerie in Manchester Jodie is armed and ready to take on new bars and restaurants to create a brand new exciting drinking & dining experience. We talk to Jodie about why she is already looking to replicate the art and drinks events in other cities, including returning to her base Manchester.

Can you share your journey with us so far Jodie?

I started Lip Service drinks in Manchester whilst studying Fashion Design at Manchester Met University. Lip service was a service to help nightclubs and bars increase their profits. After taking the business abroad to Ibiza I contemplated what I liked and disliked about the business and how I would scale. This lead me to rebrand as My Dry Ice and sell dry ice and dry ice equipment to the North of the UK.

What is the story behind My Dry Ice?

I started My Dry Ice from rebranding Lip Service Drinks which was a shot selling service to help nightclubs and bars increase their profits. Being on the bar floor I saw exactly what customers wanted and decided to rebrand. My Dry Ice are experts in using dry ice safely within the hospitality industry. Creating exciting food and drinks ideas which add theatre to any establishment.

What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?

I worked in an exclusive bar in Manchester whilst studying at university and I frequently saw successful people drinking and dining and thought I wanted to be like them. This inspired me to start brainstorming business ideas. Then I saw a gap in the market and launched a shot service which has now turned into selling dry ice and dry ice equipment.

You have most recently rebranded, what are the top 3 marketing tools you use that are the most effective to spread the awareness of your re-launch of My Dry Ice?

1.create great quality images and video content.

2.Make good connections and network

3.Always be looking for the opportunity even when not working. At the moment most of my clients have come unexpectedly when I have randomly stopped by a bar and spoken to the manager.

Can you tell us about the research you carried out to test your market and demographics and what were the results? Have they measured up to what you expected?

Honestly, no market research was done. I saw an already working business model and replicated it.I saw a gap in the market and new I could sell the product, I had no doubt in what I was starting I just knew it would work.

What advice would you give to other young female entrepreneurs?

Don t listen to the people who tell you, you cant do it, because only you have your vision and no one can take that from you, so keep going.

Are there entrepreneurs or leaders that you feel you resonate with the most?

I love online entrepreneurs such as Carrie Green from TFEA and Marie Forleo these ladies have always inspired me online and most recently Sophie Amoruso the founder of Nasty Gal and author of #Girlboss who I resonate with so much.

As a small business owner, what about any challenging times you have had to overcome? When were they and how did you learn to overcome them?

I was betrayed by an old business partner and friend just after starting up Lip Service Drinks. This was a very difficult situation as I felt alone. What helped to keep me going was good business contacts which got me through the bad time and also being confident in my own potential and vision for my business. It took me a long time to understand that someone can copy your idea but they cant take your own personal vision which is in your mind, that s yours to keep and no one can take that away from you.

Looking back as an entrepreneur what would you tell your 18-year-old self?

Get into a better routine and work on the business daily, it is not a part-time job.

What Youtube or online space channels are watching currently?

I love Ted Talks

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

#Girlboss

What does success look like in your eyes?

To be a millionaire and leave an impact.

Twitter: @mydryice2 | Instagram:@mydryice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lipservicedrinks/

Website:http://www.mydryice.co.uk