Who says you need bags of corporate experience to be a hot shot entrepreneur? We hear about business newbie Karen Baber’s journey from pharmacy technician to owner of Myriad, Ellon’s much-loved craft and gift shop, and find out why she thinks our community is the place to bring up a family…
Step into an Aladdin’s cave of uniquely crafted gifts…
“When I was working for the Scottish prison service as a pharmacy technician, I became unwell with stress and, eventually, stopped working. I made pretty photo frames as a hobby and, all of a sudden, I was running my very own craft business from home.
Demand grew and I rented shelf space in Myriad. A year later the owner at the time said they were moving away – and asked if I wanted to take the shop on. I had no business experience but jumped at the chance.
Four years on, it’s going from strength to strength. Moving to a bigger shop was a particular highlight and we can now easily be seen from the road. I won’t be moving from Ellon!
Supporting local business
I’m so proud to have gone full circle, from starting out with a shelf in a shop to being the one offering local, independent crafters rental of my shop shelves! There’s a very long waiting list for our shelf space and we make sure anything that secures a spot is unusual and well-made. Only the highest quality for our customers.
Adding gifts to the shop was my way of putting my stamp on the business and the craft/gift combination works really well. People come back time and time again – especially as we put a strong focus on making gifts affordable.
Delighting Customers
Taking over Myriad I kept it simple – a friendly, relaxed and helpful place to shop. All I wanted was to be successful. So, seeing people making an effort to shop local and hearing customers say they love the shop means the world to me. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, adding to it and making it better.”
I love #ellonlife because…
Karen Baber
Myriad
“It really is a lovely town to live in. Ellon is peaceful yet friendly and it’s a great place to bring up family. The schools here are excellent, we have a very low crime rate and it just feels safe. Of course, Ellon’s boutiques and quirky shops – brimming with independent charm – can’t go without mention. There are so many other great businesses too, from the butcher, baker and fishmonger to hairdressers, beauticians and vets. We’re all wildly supportive of one another.”
Quickfire Q&A
What’s the one thing that’s really helped you?
People! We’re so lucky to be supported by the friendly people of Ellon. There’s so much community spirit here.
One wish for the future – what is it?
To take on a member of staff. Another way to give more back to the community that’s given so much to us.
What’s the best thing about owning a business?
Being your own boss – the flexibility and independence is great.
If you could change anything about your journey, what would it be?
Nothing! I’m so happy to say I wouldn’t do anything differently.
Fact file
Myriad
Address: 39 Bridge Street, Ellon, AB41 9AA
email: myriadellon@gmail.com
Call: 07834 603621
Open: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 4pm.
Want to share your story?
Would you like some free promotion? We thought so!
And we’d love to hear all about your business.
Other ways you can get involved with #ellonlife
Ellon Life is the new, official brand of your thriving community. Packed with listings, articles and blogs in one easy-to-use online space, it’s bringing much-loved local businesses, initiatives, groups and projects together while putting your modern market town on the map once and for all.
It couldn’t be easier help shape the future of your town. Ellon Life’s words and images are ALL YOURS to use for promotion – add them to your websites, adverts, flyers, social media channels, etc. Then follow and share Ellon Life on social media. It couldn’t be easier!
Ellon Life is brought to you by Ellon Phoenix Fund, supported by Ellon Traders Association, Ellon Community Council, Reason Agency and Aberdeenshire Council Support Local Campaign.
