This unique business was literally started over twenty years ago from the kitchen table, where Gillian created one off corsets for individual clients. Working from home suited her while her children were small, but Gillian was determined to succeed beyond the unavoidable limitations of a home based business.

Gillian went on to win "The Business"... an innovative competition run by Coventry City Council, Mercia Radio and the Coventry Evening Telegraph. Her prize was a shop, rent free for twelve months. It was just the stepping stone she needed, giving her invaluable retail experience and the opportunity to grow the business.

"Winning "The business" competition changed my life! It allowed me to make that massive step to move my business out onto the high street. I'd love to see other councils following in Coventry's footsteps, in allowing other entrepreneurs the same opportunity to occupy otherwise empty units." Gillian

A move to Knowle, near Solihull enabled Gillian to fulfill her dream of creating a stylish fashion themed destination. The business expanded by the addition of a quirky fashion cafe, complete with sweeping red catwalk carpet. Customers can indulge in delicious coffees, home made snacks, daily specials and, of course, sensational afternoon teas! Waitresses dressed in traditional black and white uniforms serve from an old fashioned cake trolley packed with mouthwatering delights.

By night the cafe transforms into a stylish venue for evening events with everything from musical performances, fashion shows and fashion themed workshops. The venue is licensed and is available for private hire.

A retail area boasts an ever changing collection of off the peg corsets, quirky jewellery, gifts and handbags. A victorian style, indoor arcade boutique provides the backdrop for a vintage themed bridal shop. This really is a bridal boutique with a difference, and so unlike traditional wedding shops of our time.

Gillian works in her studio above the bridal boutique, producing truly original corset designs which emerge down the spiral staircase on a weekly basis. In contrast to this mad world of mass produced clothing made in far away lands, Gillian continues to take inspiration from her heroine, Coco Chanel, in offering all of her customers, both Catwalk Café guests or fashion clients, that one thing that is generally so hard to find today... "something different"

Covering Knowle, Solihull, Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon,East Midlands,West Midlands and Warwickshire

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