I’ve always dreamed of opening a record store since childhood, throughout which I would visit my Nan in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire during school holidays. In that small town was a toy shop that had a record counter within the shop. I was mesmerised by the way this was presented and can clearly remember the deep red colour of the counter and the illuminated, backlit sign on the back wall of this small section of what was a tiny store in a very small town. I felt so relieved for this oasis of vinyl heaven during my long summers at my nans. Then when the opportunity presented itself to combine my career experience with restaurant operations to include a record store, I took the leap and set myself up. I’ve modelled my record store as best as I can possibly remember to closely resemble that toy store’s record counter.The engagement I have with my customers is what keeps me excited and I’ve put my heart into the shop. I can feel the same excitement and enjoyment in my customers that I felt as a child and still do now. It’s about discovering that record you've been searching for - it might have been a year or maybe the anticipation of a brand-new release you've been looking forward to. Providing that opportunity for people to feel the buzz that I get, it's absolutely magic for me.
