It’s a brave decision to make at any time.
But giving up a steady and success sful business to start afresh – in a totally different sector – takes a certain kind of entrepreneurial courage.
That’s just what Julie Coldwell has done.
At the age of 50, she has given up her lifelong career as a hairdresser to set up House of Eccentricity – a vintage clothes shop – at Holmfirth.
Even her best friends might think the business is aptly-named – and Julie recognises the fact that her decision could be viewed as eccentric by some.
“My daughters think I’m going through a midlife crisis!” she jokes.
“As a hairdresser I was used to people booking appointments and coming into the shop at the appointed time, so I knew where I was and who was coming to the salon.
“This is so different. You don’t know who will come through the door – or when.”
Says Julie: “I have always been interested in vintage clothing and things that are a little bit out of the ordinary.”
House of Eccentricity certainly reflects that. Along with her ranges of dresses, sweaters, skirts, frocks, shoes and shorts, the shop at Dunford Road boasts old record players, vinyl records, leather-bound books and other items from a bygone age.
Julie ran a hairdressing business in Thurlstone for many years, but says: “I had got fed up with it. I had a young girl working for me and to tell the truth I was getting a bit stale with it.
“I wasn’t enjoying it – which wasn’t fair to the customers because if you don’t enjoy what you are doing you aren’t giving of your best.
“I wanted to come to Holmfirth because I had been working in Penistone for 15 years and I didn’t want to set up my new business in the same area.
“I wanted to be seen somewhere else. I wanted a new challenge.”
Julie trained as a hairdresser at Granville College at the age of 16 and went straight into the trade – working at the salon she eventually ended up owning.
House of Eccentricity stands opposite the former Frank Platt electrical shop.
It had been an antique shop, but had been standing empty for some time before Julie spotted it and decided it was just what she needed.
“I bought it in November and moved in this March,” she says. But the premises needed lots doing to it to make the shop fit for purpose.
“Christmas week, my daughters and I and my partner were up to our knees in water trying to put some new drains in,” she says. “We had to get it rewired and put in new piping.”
There was no problem stocking the shop. “I have been collecting a lot of things over the years,” says Julie. “Vintage clothing has been an interest of mine for a long time.”
The shop stocks popular-again clothing from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There are day dresses and tea dresses from the 40s and 50s.
“Many of the items are in demand from people wanting the right attire for themed parties.
Says Julie: “It’s a learning curve for me – discovering what people are interested in buying.
“Clothes in the chain stores are often a bit samey. These are one-offs. They are still quality garments. They are second hand, but they have been worn and obviously been loved.”
Julie also stocks new clothes – for people who don’t like the idea of wearing something someone else has worn.
Her stock includes labels such as Pin up Girl and Vanity Project.
“My long-term dream would be to design my own clothing range,” says Julie. “I’d like to create something I know I’d like, but can’t find in the shops.”
She says: “People coming into the shop are looking for something for a specific occasion – and I get customers of all ages from young girls buying Levi shorts to people aged 50 plus.”
While the main part of the store is now complete, the building has space to the rear and a first floor area just waiting to be utilised.
“This building has masses of potential,” says Julie. “I have all these ideas for expanding the shop – but I need to put them into order rather than have them whizzing around in my head!
“I also want to make this shop a ‘home from home’ where people can come in and sit down, have a cup of coffee and browse through the books.
“I don’t buy things if I’m being pressured into it – so why would I pressure someone else?”
While there’s plenty of work still to do, Julie has no regrets about making the move.
“I couldn’t work for someone else,” she says. “I have tried it – and it doesn’t work. I am quite an impulsive person and I always try to do what I want to do.”
Julie has had precious little spare time since buying and refitting the Holmfirth shop, but she says: “Whenever I get the chance, I like walking. I like my home life, too. I had to live in a caravan twice while doing up properties, So it’s nice to be at home.
“Having said that, we have a campervan and we go out in that. I like to holiday in the British Isles.”
Role: Owner
Age: 50
Family: Partner Nicholas and daughters Olivia, 28, Rosie, 25 and Bronwyn, 17
Holidays: I like to go to Scotland and Dorset. We also holiday in Northumberland
First job: Hairdresser
Best thing about the job? I can
please myself, which is what I have always wanted to do. It’s also nice that customers feel they can trust my judgement when they ask my advice
Worst thing about the job? Parting with my money!
Business tip: You have to keep believing in yourself. Don’t be scared of making mistakes. Nothing worthy doing is easy to do.
Work: Vintage clothing and gifts
Site: Dunford Road, Holmfirth
Phone: 01484 691811
Email: eccentricity@live.co.uk
