This is how it all began…
When I first spotted the shop in July 2015 I knew this was exactly what I wanted for Seasonal Words. The quaint little shopping arcade, situated in St Andrew’s Court, Bolton had just the right feel and character I had been seeking for. So with a pray and a push, I went for it.
The only thing was I had never opened a shop before from scratch. I didn’t have a clue how to start. So, I bought a book and read it. In fact, I bought several books, asked questions and gained enough information to start developing my shop.
I found a shopfitter shop in Cheetham Hill and without a clue of how many shelves, card racks, and cupboards I needed I just trusted my instincts and bought as I saw fit. I didn’t think I did so bad. I was very pleased with how things were turning out.
Slowly but surely, I began to make further progress. I was able to put together where all the products should go. Most of my products are either hand-made/designed, cultural or faith-based.
Everything started coming together beautifully. And then I went to Cambodia through a charity called ‘Helping Hands’ to visit my sponsored child. I didn’t know there was going to be other hidden surprises in Cambodia. I wasn’t expecting meeting so many lovely people and finding beautiful hand-made products which I thought would fit nicely in my shop.The amazing thing was by buying these amazing products, I would also be helping to support women who were victims of trafficking.
Early December I was able to have a small launch of my shop. It turned out to be a lovely event.
Everything is still a working process. I’m still finding my feet and learning new things and ideas. My hope for the future is to build up an e-commerce platform for Seasonal Words. Times are changing and brick and mortar is now just one way to take a gift/card shop forward. That is how the story began. This is only the beginning of the journey. But I have no doubt that with God’s help and of course help and support from family, friends and more books, I’m going to move this business to the next level.
Very good website – bookmarked