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40 | www.westendermagazine.com Many people in the West End dream of opening their own business – whether it’s a personal passion, or a desire to work for themselves that drives the move. Loraine Patrick speaks to three locals about what it takes to make it as a sole trader. There are lots of perks to working for yourself – just ask Alice Kirk, founder of Isabella’s Wardrobe on Crow Road in Broomhill. Alice set up on her own business 10 years ago after working for a commercial arts seller. She chooses her own hours, enjoys increased freedom and lots of job satisfaction ‘You have a great deal more flexibility’, Alice confirms. ‘This business is a very personal one – customers want to see me in the shop, so I close on a Sunday and Monday to make sure I can be here the rest of the time. Other benefits of working for yourself are that you are not answerable to anyone else. You make your own decisions. It’s great fun and it is very social – I now know lots of ladies in the West End.’ The shop started with Alice’s own love of labels and Isabella’s Wardrobe has become the West Ends go to spot for bagging a designer bargain. ‘I don’t source stock,’ says Alice, ‘customers come to me with pieces to sell. I am like a matching service and know my customer’s style and tastes. We are a consignment shop – I don’t pay for stock – when items sell the client gets paid. It’s a good business model.’ A few doors along is The Wee Kitchen Shop at 304 Crow Road. Run by cabinetmaker Greg Bowers, he believes when you work for yourself that it’s vital to find something you are passionate about. For Greg, after a long career in the building and preservation trade it was about bringing all his skills and creativity together. Greg picks up, ‘There was nothing worse than always having to be the bearer of bad news. When I worked in preservation I always had to apologise to clients – wet rot, dry rot, it was always expensive to fix. The kitchen is the heart of the home and brings together my furniture making, property development and restoration skills.’ Opening the shop was also a lifestyle choice – Greg wanted to be around to see his
www.westendermagazine.com | 41 B.Y.O.B (Be Your Own Boss) WORDS Loraine Patrick IMAGES Gregor Reid
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