People’s Champion Finalist: Schmidt (Palmers Green)

Start-up name: Schmidt (Palmers Green)
Founder: Katerina Zaravinou
Started in: 2012 
Based in: Palmers Green, London
Business description: Designer kitchen and interior solutions and installations

Shortlisted category:

Franchisee of the Year

The Schmidt (Palmers Green) story:

A qualified architect, Katerina Zaravinou decided to become a franchisee for kitchen, bathroom and living room solutions chain Schmidt in December 2012, opening her Palmers Green showroom to much success. 

Schmidt, originally started in France, launched in the UK in 2010 and provides full design, installation and project management services to create innovative designer spaces, and also retails furniture and art accessories.

Trading as a franchisee for the brand for the past three years, female entrepreneur Zaravinou says she has thrived in an industry where she can deliver “immediate results and help many to achieve the kitchen of their dreams” and her showroom has become the brand’s largest in the capital.

Her early success has seen her gain “Master Partner” status, her showroom was selected to showcase Siemen’s Studio Line Range, and she also won the award for Elite Silestone Studio status – a prestigious title in the interiors space. Revenues are also scaling at a rapid pace; expected to hit seven figures next year.

Going forwards, Zaravinou is confident that she will open a second showroom by 2017 and plans to launch a targeted direct marketing campaign to grow sales.

Why Schmidt (Palmers Green) made our 60:

A fantastic example of how to turn a career into a successful business, Zaravinou has put her many years as an architect to good use, as evidenced by her burgeoning North London showroom. Plans to double in size and increase revenues are impressive to say the least.

Where to find out more about Schmidt (Palmers Green)

Website: www.schmidt-palmersgreen.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/Tips4Interior
Facebook: facebook.com/Schmidt-Palmers-Green