2020 was definitely a year full of surprises! Lockdown, reopening, award wining, another lockdown, another award, huge support from our customers and a completely different Christmas, that Highworth will celebrate in Tier 3.
For us at The Emporium it is always glass half full, so we decided to focus on the positive aspects of 2020, because with many challenges that the year threw at us there were as many opportunities and success.
The main success being winning The Greats Gift Retailer Awards for a second consecutive year, despite the covid situation. Aga has agreed to a spontaneous candid interview with us. Trying to think of questions on spot has been proven extremely easy by myself and Alice.
Alice: How does it feel to have another win under your belt?
Aga: It is super empowering and super exciting and we are over proud and chuffed that our hard work is noticed by the industry experts.
Paula: After hearing all of the wonderful comments from customers alike, do you feel accomplished and proud of what you have achieved?
I do feel proud but I don’t let it get to my head. I love hearing all of the compliments, yet as lovely as they are, they often encourage me to set my standards higher and higher. With every display and anything we buy, I always strive to do better, and do something differently to impress, and surprise every person walking through our doors or taking their time to go onto our website.
Paula: How has your life changed since becoming a shop owner?
Where do I start? I don’t have weekends off, I don’t have any days off *chuckles*.
My head is constantly thinking about the next season coming, next window display, next thing I need to do, or purchase. I even dream about work!
Paula: What would you say the best part of it is?
The best part of having a shop is making our customers happy, when they find things they love, being grateful for help they receive, the perfect card they have found, the perfect gift, or perfect balloons for their special loved ones, on all their special occasions that mean so much to them.
Alice: What would you say the biggest challenge is?
I think dedicating time to myself, it never feels as though all the work is done, especially around Christmas, where there is a never ending list of things to do. Turning our seasonal room into a Christmas grotto is probably the biggest job. Each year customers tell us how excited they are to see it, and with everything going on, I think we all deserve something happy to look forward to.
Paula: What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt?
Alice: … And would you have done something differently?
I am still learning how social media affects our everyday business more than we think. I thought I came prepared with some previous knowledge, but it still surprises me how much dedication it requires, and how much planning and effort goes into a simple Facebook or Instagram post. I have also not fully considered how much admin stuff is involved in running a gift shop before jumping into it. But also everybody has weak and bad days, they are very short in my case.(of course Aga – we joked).
Nowadays I have Richard who is my rock, he is always here to support me and make everything easier. I think all the choices in my life led me to where I am and who I am. Even the most unpleasant things and moments after a while actually turned out to be good lessons or something, I could turn into a positive. I am a great believer that things happen for a reason.
Paula: We are all very excited to hear what the future holds?
The biggest plan for us currently is to push our own website, especially given current circumstances around Covid 19, we know that it is now more important than ever, to have click and collect for the ease of our local customers, and creating easier and safer ways for people to shop with confidence. Second lockdown in November proofed already that there is a need for being online and a lot of our customers enjoy shopping from the comfort if their home.
Alice: What is the best advice you have ever received?
It will be something that relates to a lot of things not only in the shop – ‘nobody knows what is inside my head’ – so nobody knows what the final result should be except from me. This means if my window display or card selection or anything else is different to what I have envisioned, no one knows about it and takes it as it is. Being a perfectionist puts a huge amount of pressure, but you need to find a balance between perfection and being realistic, I have always found this tip helpful.
Alice: What would your advice be to young females aspiring to be successful entrepreneurs?
Never give up! Never ever give up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles are in your way, or wind in your eyes. Just never give up. But on a personal note; Don’t spend too much time looking at appearances, do not worry about your weight and just enjoy life.
Paula: What would you wish for this Christmas and New Year?
The obvious answer is ‘no covid’ and I am sure many people will wish for it this year. But overall I wish next year is happier, better and healthier to all of us. And on personal note I hope our Wedding eventually happens, as it was cancelled 2 times already! Fingers crosses third time lucky!
Alice: Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank all our wonderful customers for their continuous support and for shopping local, especially this year! It really means a lot! I would also like to thank our amazing Emporium team for working your socks off this Christmas and making things happen. Thank you so so much, I could not do it without you all!
And finally: Have a lovely Christmas everyone and take the most of it! See you soon!
