In Your Shoes - Nicola Donnelly

Nicola Donnelly is Director of Time Lifestyle Boutique in Dundee’s Reform Street. Nicola strives to bring great design, quality and luxury to the high street and showcase our local talent. In her blog she tries to show you there is more to running a retail business than putting sales through the till. 

Finding inspiration at Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show

A major motivation for opening Time Lifestyle Boutique was to showcase the brilliant design work created by people in our city. I could never get around all the exhibits in one trip but the research, craft and innovation from each designer really inspired me, with a few in particular I would love to work with.

A day of two halves – work and play

We close on Mondays so I work, rest or do some of both. It’s not all swanning about like Mary Portas – there is also manual work to do. Today I got all the cardboard waste together for the monthly Binn Group pick up. In the afternoon my husband and I tried out a new creperie, Chambrier – magnifique!

Content and creativity

Back in the shop today and I arrive to find Joe Pulizzi’s Epic Content Marketing waiting for me. Since the start of the year I have been immersing myself in the world of content marketing and I have joined a masterclass. In the evening I join the city’s creatives at Dundee’s Pecha Kucha Night 

Looking after the dads

The rain frightened off our afternoon trade today so we continued our preparations for Father’s Day to make sure all the dads get spoiled. After work I stopped into Fluph yarn shop for a trunk show by the gorgeous, ‘Yarns from the Plain’. I’m not a knitter but I like cake and a warm welcome.

 

Ambitious - the day of three meetings!

A breakfast meeting with the Chamber back at DJCAD concerning the visitor economy started the day. So important for independent shops – we are what makes the retail offering unique! I then met other city traders at a DD One meeting where we discussed an Indie Shopping Guide. Finally, I joined the Content Marketing Academy meet-up for a well-earned glass of wine.

Getting ready for winter (yes, really)

Today one of my favourite reps visited. Heather brings me lots of goodies but today we were doing the Powder autumn accessories order. This is an important order as the Scottish supplier does really well for us. I also worked with a supplier on some card designs for local universities’ Graduation ceremonies. My top brand is Dundee itself!

Collaboration keeps customers coming

Last week we launched the Dundee tote bag, our collaboration with artist Suzanne Scott of Whimsical Lush. People were still admiring this today with a few leaving us for new homes. It was a busy day today and it was great to see so many returning customers. After a day of advising on perfect gifts, I was delighted to get home, put my feet up and watch a couple of movies.