AN EMMBROOK business owner has fulfilled her lifelong dream after opening her boutique a fortnight ago.
Fiona Parry opened her Elms Walk, Wokingham store on Wednesday, January 19, and has seen a steady stream of customers.
“The first Saturday was like Christmas Eve,” she said. “There were people queuing for the changing rooms — the shop was full.
“There were loads of people wandering in, a real mix of ages too.”
She already has an established client base after running the boutique from her home for the last two and a half years.
After outgrowing her house, she made the jump to a town centre premises.
“We need more boutiques and independents in the town,” she said.
Keen to be more than a clothing retailer, Ms Parry has also trained as a personal stylist, and is able to help shoppers who are stuck in a rut with their wardrobe.
She also hopes to plan events at the store, including fashion shows, styling talks and private shopping events.
“My aim is to empower people to use the clothes that they already have,” she explained. “It might be one new item that unlocks more outfits, and creates a capsule wardrobe that you live in and love.”
Her stock includes Scandinavian, French, Greek and British made clothing.
“The different brands have different appeals,” she said.
Some items pop with colour, while others are more classic in design, but each is carefully chosen by Ms parry
“I only buy what I love,” she said. “But I have different kinds of people in mind for the items.
“And the more people I meet, the more I get a sense of what different shoppers are looking for.”
At the moment, Ms Parry has a small staff, but is already preparing to offer work experience placements.
She has two girls soon to try out the world of retail, much like she did at age 16.
This, she explained, is important to her.
Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development at the borough council, said that Ms Parry’s business is just what Wokingham needs.
“Creating opportunities for new and growing independent businesses has always been part of our vision for the town and something residents have continued to say they want to see,” he said.
“Being able to regenerate the town has been the perfect opportunity to support this, giving us the ability to design in the types of units these smaller businesses need.”
Fiona Parry Boutique is open from 9.30am until 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
For the online shop, visit: fionaparry.com
