Hello reader! Coming out of winter and into springtime is such a relief. At a time of new beginnings, I thought I’d share with you a little ‘get to know me’ type blog. As a small business, I like to put a face to the name and even share parts of my life that aren’t business related. So I hope you enjoy this little insight into what I’m like away from the markets.

I got my assistant, Charlotte, to come up with some questions and we held a mini-interview! Here are the results:

Why did you start your business?

After falling ill and having a series of operations around 2013, I had to give up my career in procurement and banking. I took this as an opportunity to do something I genuinely enjoyed and so revisited my old love for jewellery and vintage.

What were your original goals and ideas for Vintage Love?

Originally it was more of a hobby and a way of networking with others. It was also a way of stopping materials from ending up in landfill. I enjoyed the idea that old jewellery would have a new purpose. Little did I know what it would become a few years on!

What is the achievement you are most proud of?

My proudest achievement was to be able to invite my mum and dad to England to watch me perform in the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Choir.

What is your favourite way to spend a day off?

If and when I have time off, I prefer to get away from everything. I like to go to the most remote places and enjoy some ‘me time’. My last getaway was in a Welsh Sheppard hut without Wi-Fi or connections to the big world. I’ve also been to places such as the arctic circle. When I say remote, I mean it to the extreme!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself travelling around the world with my other half, Mike and my animals. Still making jewellery inspired by my travels of course. And ideally someone continuing Vintage Love back in England. Or perhaps I will be on a remote farm in Denmark, surrounded by my family and animals.

What is the best gift you have ever received?

I think it was my sewing machine that I received for my 30^th because it was one of my first gifts that allowed me to be creative and get to making things.

What is the worst gift you have ever received?

I thought the worst gift I have ever received was the heated waistcoat I received a few years back for Christmas. I remember thinking it was the least romantic gift possible! But after using it through the worst weather the markets could throw at me, I now think it’s one of the best gifts I have received.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

From a business point of view, it’s without a doubt the decision to take the risk and go full time with Vintage Love. From a personal point of view, it was being brave enough to leave Denmark at 16 to come to England because, although I still love going home to Denmark, the experiences and opportunities moving away has opened up for me have allowed me to live life to the fullest.

What is one rule you live by?

This one is easy. Honesty. Honesty all the way. It goes through the business in terms of never selling anything as something that it isn’t. I have brought my children up since day one to always tell the truth, even if they’re struggling. For me, honesty is the key to everything.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own small business?

Start small and build it up. Don’t start out with debt. You have to be passionate about it because it very hard work. Running a small business is not an ‘easy way out’. If you want to do it full time, there will be loads of amazing moments and achievements but you must be prepared for some really difficult times too. I’d say if you really want to, go for it! Life is too short to not do the things you love.

Thanks for reading. If you have any follow up questions (or questions in general), please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Tune in every Monday for more blog posts.

Thank you for reading! – Trine x