A bold decision

When is there ever the right time to make big changes in your life? I am a firm believer in making bold decisions. I went to Australia on a two week holiday and stayed for two years. I resigned from a corporate job I loved as the company had been bought out and I knew it would never be the same. Others stayed for years and were miserable. There are a few others I could mention, there is no point in settling and just making do.

I love my shop. I’ve built it up from absolutely nothing. I had very few customers to begin with and would always talk myself out of a bad day and still do. The saying is true, when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. People even write books about it. 

Approaching our seventh year, we have survived a pandemic, we have won ‘Best Interiors Store’ in Essex (2021), ‘Best Lifestyle Store’ in Essex (2022), reached the final six in this years Uttlesford ‘Retailer of the Year’ and the top five ‘Best Lifestyle Store’ in Essex. So I think I can say I’ve made a good go of it!

So why am I boasting about our accolades? Well, Jonathan and I have made the decision that we are looking to sell the business. We don’t have any other plans (isn’t that reckless?). It may be to live in Australia for three months of the year, it may be to sell up and live on a smallholding in Wales, it may be for me to write that book I’ve wanted to write or maybe just to put my feet up and do nothing, that would make a change. Who knows. What we do know is life is too short and we want more freedom to enjoy it. 

We’re not just walking away and will stay as long as it takes to find the right buyer who will enjoy 22 Town Street as much as we do.

We have lots of ideas. The shop would make a fabulous Deli, a Cafe, a Bistro serving tapas a few nights a week. I can see myself sipping Rose in the window, eating olives over ice with a cocktail stick. 

So if you or anyone you know might be interested in our shop, ask them to contact us. If you’ve always dreamt of owning a shop, just give it a go. I’ve loved every minute and it’s been one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever done. Our customers are amazing, we’ll miss them very much when we go. But as I said, you’ll probably be stuck with us for quite a while yet, we’re in no rush.

Featured in 91 Magazine.

Meaning / being bold / showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit.