Introduce yourself and your store.
Hi, I'm Siobhan and I run April and the Bear.
Is there a story behind the name?
There sure is! I was struggling with what to call the shop and one of my besties asked me what I love, so I thought about it and I love the month of April and the name so I went with that and I love my husband, Jamie - who is a rather large, hairy bear type and the name was born!
How long have you been doing this?
For about 6 years.
Best moment of store life so far?
Hmmm, it's so hard to select just one, probably the first day we opened the doors to our new location in Rathmines, Dublin. We worked EXTREMELY hard to get her open as quickly as we could but still wanted her to look and work a certain way. So when we opened the doors, we were so happy and relieved that we could throw away our paint overalls!
How did you come across Text From A Friend?
I spotted you at a trade show and just loved the look, the idea behind it and how simple but effective the cards were.
What’s your favourite text from a friend product?
'You're fucking awesome' card without a doubt.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A famous Hollywood actress.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't worry so much about what people think about you. No one really gives a shit.
When you get time off, what do you do?
In reality, I run around after my 11 months old and frantically try to keep the house clean but what I'd like to do is drink wine or gin with my hubbie and watch Netflix or Love Island. I know, very highbrow.
Favourite city/destination to visit?
I love Florence but the city I would like to visit next is Lisbon. Mainly for the Pasteis de Natas.
What inspires you to buy a maker's product?
I like to stock pieces that are a little unusual, if a product brings a smile to my face - it's going in the shop.
What do you love most about having the store?
Hmm, I like introducing my customers to pieces that they are going to LOVE in their home for years to come - I also love the creativity involved. You have to constantly be thinking about the future and how you can changes things up in order to be relevant and to keep your customers engaged.
Future plans?
So many, but they're all top secret!
Dream product to have in store?
When I started this store I had a list of brands and products that I wanted to bring in like Seletti and Silken Favours and I brought them all in.
Top tips for visitors to your city?
Don't stick to the centre of Dublin, explore the neighbourhoods like Portobello and Rathmines for truly unique shops, hip bars and gorgeous restaurants.
Find April and the Bear:
Instagram: @aprilandthebear
Website: aprilandthebear.com
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