Pictured above:(l-r) NatWest's Sue Turner with Bonnie
Fairbrass
Shoppers in Wem are in for a treat as the town's latest shop -
Margo - has opened in Maypole Court, after securing finance though
NatWest Business Banking.
Margo is the brain child of local entrepreneur Bonnie Fairbrass.
Although Bonnie had an established a career as a radio producer and
copy writer, she dreamt of being her own boss. Driven by a love of
1970's clothing - which saw her collecting vintage sewing patterns,
design books and vintage fabrics - Bonnie taught herself to sew and
made accessories such as bags and purses. As her confidence grew
she began to make her own bag designs which she sold online and in
Space, Ellesmere. Since then, with the help of her mother and
mother in law - who taught her the basics of dressmaking - Bonnie
has fully dedicated her time to remaking vintage designs,
specialising in 1970's suburban clothing.
Now with the support of NatWest Business Banking, Bonnie has
taken her business dream to the next level by opening Margo - named
after Bonnie's fashion heroine, Margot Leadbetter from the Good
life, 'the best dressed TV Personality of 1970's British TV' - her
own boutique.
The boutique - which caters for men and women - is based at Unit
4, Maypole Court, Wem, and stocks a mix of true vintage pieces
alongside items by small UK designers such as Pop Boutique and Lady
K Loves. It also sells reproduction and reconstructed vintage
clothing under the Margo label and exclusive handmade jewellery by
coveted local ceramic artist Jenny Foord as well as vintage
inspired brooches by Glass designer Charlotte Clark. Margo also
offers a dress agency for vintage & designer clothing, hosts
workshops and holds private viewing evenings, both of which are
available for small hen parties.
Bonnie Fairbrass, dress maker and owner of Margo, said: "When I
first began sewing I never dreamed that I would run my own clothing
boutique, it was always one of those dreams that most girls have,
like owning a pony and marrying a prince! It's true what they say,
do what you love and success will follow. I can't imagine doing
anything else now! Margo is a perfect platform for me to be
creative, not only with fashion but with the business skills I
learnt in my previous employment."
Bonnie added: "I have been helped by the unwavering support of
my NatWest business Manager Sue Turner whose faith and support have
been crucial to my success. I would also like to thank my Business
Link advisor and mentor Carol Ewels for all her great advice and
ongoing expertise. I also need to give a big thank you to the
Shropshire Business Development Fund who gave me a £1,000
grant for shop fittings."
Sue Turner, the NatWest Business Manager, who arranged the
financial package for Margo, said: "Bonnie has proven she is not
only a top designer and dress maker, she is also a great business
woman. Following her on-line success, Bonnie has realised one of
her ambitions in opening Margo and I'm delighted NatWest have been
able to play a part in supporting this business venture."