Putting my money where my mouth is!

I'm not going to lie - I have NOT been taking my advice lately, as far as this business is concerned, anyway! I do, however, have a very good excuse...

I am always banging on about how important the high street is. It is a place for independent -usually local - businesses and business owners to showcase their passions, whilst making a living. Online shopping has its place, but I am hearing more and more that people like the interaction of shops - being able to see and feel products and have conversations.

Salons provide much needed respite from everyday stresses - taking half an hour out of busy schedules for 'me' time is so good for our mental health.

As maligned as they are, estate agents and charity shops are also an integral part of the high street - offering great service and the opportunity to recycle & reuse whilst getting funds for deserving causes.

And cafes & restaurants have an equally key part to play. Meeting with friends and family, and enjoying coffee & cake (or whatever takes your fancy!) should be something we all make time for - note to self.

All these different businesses pull together to form a place for our local communities to thrive. This doesn't happen without a bit of work, though. We all need to continue to BUY LOCAL as much as we can, and business owners need to market & promote themselves and their neighbours CONSTANTLY.

Which brings me to what I've been up to!

On 1st February, I got the keys to my brand new shop! I have had shops before, which - for many different reasons - didn't work out, and I honestly never thought I would be in a position again to have another one. But, the stars aligned, the challenges were overcome and The Interiors Store opened on 11th March 2023.

I am so proud of what I have achieved with very little money (no bank loans or investors) and a bucket load of belief! I am working with local businesses as well as bigger companies , sourcing new products all the time.

In the two and a half months since I've opened I have taken on some fantastic interior design projects, with many more in the pipeline, and the shelves are filling up with more stock on a daily basis. I enjoy every day and take great satisfaction in looking around the ever changing shop. It's definitely a work in progress, but there is no rush and I will do what I can do, when I can do it. No pressure this time.

My ideas are endless, my marketing is going to be spot on & my shop is a great addition to Great Dunmow high street - even if I do say so myself!