In Conversation with Claire Leigh
Claire Leigh started her boutique business just over 4 years ago with a small credit card loan holding ‘gift parties’ in people’s houses. She now has an award winning shop in St.John’s Village, Woking turning over in excess of £200,000. Claire shares her story of how she went from gift parties to having the shop in St. Johns Village, Woking. Claire has a number of events in the lead up to Christmas - starting on 1st November with an evening to solve your styling dilemmas for the upcoming party season - with professional stylist, Emma Shoe Show Notes We talk about: How Claire's dream of having a shop became reality Her use of social media to create awareness Getting started with gift party nights Running her 'side hustle' alongside a corporate role and family The gradual transition to a shop What you do when you choose the wrong products Managing requests from local artisans to stock their products from Claire's side and the maker's side Getting the windows dressed Behaving with integrity towards your staff, whilst looking after your business and understanding your legal obligations to staff members Building a support network around you - to get advice - costs money but worth it, also on courses The role fitness and diet play in keeping her on an even keel Where her business is going and why it is called Two Ducks Her children's sense of ownership (and just how many children fit into the changing room at the same time!)