Helmsdale businesswoman to celebrate 15th anniversary of gift shop with fizz and cake tomorrow
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A Helmsdale businesswoman is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the opening of her card and gift shop tomorrow.
She said: “Please join us at Gifted on Saturday from 11am-5pm for some fizz and cake to celebrate and there will also be 15 per cent off of all purchases made on the day.”
Kelly is also using the occasion to raise funds with raffle tickets on sale in aid of Highland Hospice.
Located at 11 Dunrobin Street, Gifted Helmsdale sells a wide range of gifts and other items including handbags, candles and, bath and body products.
Recalling how she came to start up the business, she said: “I was sitting having lunch with a friend and we were talking about the empty shop across the street.
“At the time I was selling some handmade cards through a local outlet and I said I would love to open the empty unit as a card and gift shop.”
Kelly continued to think about it and discussed her idea with family and friends. Most were very encouraging but a few tried to talk her out of it because of the recession hitting the country at the time.
But a few weeks after that first conversation, she signed up for a two-day Business Gateway course in Thurso.
“I was shocked on the course when I was told that most businesses fold in the first three years of trading,” she said. “Despite the harsh reality of the statistics and some hard to hear advice, but with lots of new knowledge and a new found fire in my belly, I decided to take the chance and go for it. I was confident I would succeed.
“The building was bought and a few weeks later Gifted opened its doors and I am happy to say that 15 years later I am still enjoying the journey,”
Kelly has spent hours researching and attending trade fairs over the years to select the items she feels are right for her shop.
“I still get a happy feeling when I open all the boxes when new stock arrives. It can feel a little bit like Christmas,” she said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming customers from all over the world and I’m proud when they choose a gift from my shop to take home,, but the local support is what has kept me going through the quieter times, especially during and after Covid, and their continued support for shopping locally makes such a big difference.
“During Covid I used the time as an opportunity to launch my long overdue website, and also found a new love for photography.
“This has led to me now stocking a wide range of coasters, mugs, canvases etc, all featuring my own local photography.
“The main thing I’ve learnt along the way is to be adaptable and don’t be too scared of change.
“Thanks to family, friends and customers far and wide for all the encouragement and all the helping hands over the last 15 years without them there wouldn’t be a Gifted.”
