Since I hadn't been trained in design, I went into the business not knowing the 'rules'. I just did what I thought looked good and did lots of designs with a natural look.

We've really tried to maintain integrity in our business relationships. Keeping customers satisfied brings referrals and that is where at least 75 percent of our business comes from. The wedding business has been a big boost for us. I love doing weddings and soon discovered that not many businesses are doing weddings anymore because they require handling so many details. But we love doing it, and it's been a vital part of our business.

We've been overwhelmed by the wonderful response we've received at our new locations. It's really been surprising to see how many people have just stopped by and left with our merchandise. We sold out of holiday items very quickly.

The people in the group were so knowledgeable and eager to share information or mentor each other. I learned so much about how to run my business from this group.

We must have seen 600 clients and agencies before we launched the paper. We talked them through it - the vision, why it was so important, the design, the layout, how the ads looked - and every single media company has bought ads at the same value as before.

Our integrated marketing and retail strategy aimed to put the Guardian in the hands of as many people as possible and encourage them to re-appraise the paper. We succeeded. We look forward to the October ABC with confidence.