Right from my teen years I knew that one day I would own a shop and be working for myself so here is my story of how it all began.
I trained as a graphic designer in London and for a number of years worked in this world. Then I became pregnant for the first time and this was soon followed by another five! By this time my skills as a graphic designer had become outdated - yes I really did work at a drawing board with a Rotring pen, ink, Letraset and a ruler! Computers were unheard of. I had a variety of jobs after this to pay for the nappies, these jobs were mainly part time to fit around the girls. My last full time job was as a lecturer at a local college and I loved being able to help others learn new skills.
One of my girls then became seriously ill and it was time for me to take a sabbatical to care for her. My years sabbatical turned into not returning and growing my vintage furniture business. Being self employed meant I could be around for the girls and pick and choose my hours to suit them.
A few years on and I walked past this amazing shop in our local town. "That's my shop" I said to my husband. Needless to say he laughed. However we opened its doors on the 11 October 2014 having got the keys on my birthday 19 September. My business partner and I were well received by the town and then another five years on I had taken the lease on by myself and become a sole trader and shop keeper and thereby fulfilling my dream. I have now hit my tenth year on Newport Pagnell High Street and we have become a destination shop bringing in trade from all over the counties.
The emporium offers other small businesses a chance to trade on the High Street and is full of wonderfully talented artists, crafts people, silversmiths, vintage dealers and hobbyists.
