Lynne Duffus established her independent interiors and gift shop Lovely Things, on Dundee’s Dock Street, two years ago, in the midst of the worst of the turmoil on the high street.
But she says giving up a well-paid job to move back to Scotland, with son George, and investing all her life savings in building a business without retail experience was her greatest achievement.
Q What prompted you to start up in business and how did you get where you are today?
A I studied interior design while I was a broadcaster for the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
Back then, owning my own interiors shop was just a pipe dream, but then I had a little boy and felt myself being drawn back to Dundee to be near my family.
I thought it was time for a bit of a career change and Lovely Things was born.
I don’t know if I would advise starting a business in the worst financial climate known to man, but I reckon if you can get through that you can get through anything.
Q What are your aims for your business over the next few years?
A This year I really want to focus on showcasing more local artwork and design. Dundee is a hotbed of creative talent and we need to encourage that by giving these people an outlet to sell their work.
Also the e-commerce site, www.lovelythingsonline.co.uk, was launched four months ago and is growing all the time.
My main aim long term is to take on the national interiors big players with competitive pricing and a more personal approach.
Q How do you rate the prospects for Lovely Things? What is the market like for what you offer?
A In Dundee the prospects are great, with the Malmaison hotel almost finished just down the road, a new boutique hotel coming to Customs House in the other direction and the imminent arrival of the V&A.
All these developments will certainly increase footfall in downtown Dundee, but also raise Dundee’s profile to visitors.
I believe that the interiors market is a very healthy one. A lot of people are turning to new interiors instead of perhaps taking the plunge and selling their home.
Q Who has helped you along the way, and what has been the best piece of advice you have received?
A I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, especially in the childcare department.
I have also received a huge amount of support and advice from fellow business people in the area. I’ve made a lot of friends around here and it helps that we’re all in the same boat.
The Federation of Small Businesses have been amazing, from great deals on my card machine to legal advice, knowing they’re on the end of the phone is a comfort.
But the best piece of advice I got was from my hairdresser, who said: “Make sure you have enough money to live on for two years just in case you don’t make any”. Wise words.