Introduce yourself and your store.
Hi, I am Sophie, co-founder of womenswear and lifestyle boutique bod & ted on the Tunbridge Wells High Street and online at www.bodandted.co.uk. We stock new and exclusive brands from all over the world.
Is there a story behind the name?
The store is named after my two older sisters, it is nicknames I had for them when we were smaller.
How long have you been doing this?
We've been open in Tunbridge Wells for 9 years now, and previously to that had a store in Salcombe, Devon, the first bod & ted.
Best moment of store life so far?
I would have to say being featured in the Evening Standard Magazines Top 50 Boutiques in the UK was pretty great!
How did you come across Text From A Friend?
We came across the brand at Trade Show Top Drawer. Having recently made the decision to add greetings cards to our brand portfolio, you were the first ever card brand we stocked, and we now stock 5.
What's your favourite Text From A Friend product?
I have to say 'I Fu***ing Love You', 'You're Weird But I Like That' and 'Yay You Made A Tiny Human' are all personal favourites! I am constantly buying these myself for friends.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A ballerina!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid and trust your instincts. It was very daunting when myself and Yvonne (my mum) opened the boutique when I was in my early 20s, and I would never have imagined it would be the business it is today. And I am still learning to try not to worry too much about things.
When you get time off, what do you do?
Days off during the week I am having adventures with my 2-year old Max and our friends. Sundays are our only day off as a family, so they are always spent with my husband, son and our dog Scruff. We try and get outside as much as we can, and finish it having friends or family over for dinner, as it's the only day I can take my time in the kitchen!
Favourite city/destination to visit?
I love all of the super stylish people and shopping in Copenhagen and Paris always inspires me when we head there on buying trips. I would say Italy is probably my favourite county to visit as it is where I got married and honeymooned so holds lots of amazing memories for me.
What inspires you to buy a maker's product?
We always look out for a point of difference when it comes to choosing products for the store. We like to offer things that are unique and exclusive and not readily available elsewhere, so the little things that makes a brand stand out are so important to us.
What do you love most about having the store?
The total creativity it allows us to have with the store, down to the visual merchandising, the brands we stock, events we put on in store etc. I also love it when I am out and about in Tunbridge Wells and see people in our designs, or carrying our bags - it never gets old. The flexibility of being able to work during nap times and evenings is handy too as there never seem to be enough hours in the day!
Future plans?
Getting ready to welcome baby number 2 at the end of December!
Dream product to have in store?
I would love to expand into menswear and children's clothing.
Top tips for visitors to your city?
The pantiles and old High Street (where we are situated) is a must if you're visiting the area. With so many lovely independent shops, cafes and restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice. Or head for a pub lunch in one of the pretty villages, we love The Poet in Matfield.
Find bod & ted:
Instagram: @bodandted
Facebook: bodandtedboutique
Website: bodandted.co.uk
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