A BRIEF HISTORY OF US
About Quirky
Welcome to the vibrant and wonderfully inspiring world of Quirky!
Quirky is a boutique and vintage Emporium with a difference. We are unique and compelling in so many ways, but who are we and what are we?
It is a story that began a long time ago with a little ginger-haired girl ( me, Juliet) who loved dressing up, adored experimenting with fashion and dreamed of being a costume designer. I guess quirky was in my DNA even then at about 10 years old. Fast forward 11 years to graduating from Sheffield Uni with a BAHons Communication Degree but at the same time discovering a talent for singing and entertaining. THIS showbiz platform was the perfect arena in which to harness all my quirky costuming and in which I could express the full extent of all my individuality and style extravagance. And there ensued an award-winning 30-year career in entertainment and a long-standing dalliance with sensational outfits of all sorts. This is what has underpinned the creation of what is now Quirky Boutique and Vintage: your online and ‘in-store’ one-stop fashion shop for the brave and bold everywhere.
The first store was opened in 2014 in Tavistock, but the life and soul of the clothing edit there was birthed a year or so before that, ahead of the big move to Cornwall in July of the same year. I had been working with Carole – my fantastic seamstress – in designing and producing unique upcycled pieces in mostly denim and knitwear under the brand label “ Q is for Quirky”. These fantastic pieces formed the basis of the unusual offering in that first store, and were hugely popular, selling well over 100 pieces in the first two years. Our iconic collection pieces were bespoke one-offs made from scratch using textile waste… and these were simply exquisite. It was a great way to launch with something creative and original, and was definitely ahead of the trend curve! We still produce a range of ‘Q is for Quirky’ but mostly this will now move online as an exclusive selection for online buyers. Still all one-offs and still saving textile waste!
Using this springboard, Quirky expanded and opened shops in Wadebridge and Liskeard – venturing to test the ‘quirky temperature’ in nearby Cornish towns. Almost certainly ahead of its time, Quirky continued to acquire passionate followers of fashion from amongst locals and visitors alike, and before too long we were firmly established as the new kid on the block.
We arrived in Looe in the Old Tourist Information Centre in Dec 2019, and after 3 months of demolition and refurbishment, we were open and excited….. only to be closed after 10 days as lockdowns related to COVID began. Not great timing!!! But we were undeterred, and over the 2 years of instability and uncertainty, I made a decision to consolidate and move everything into this one store!! And what a store it is!! We have an amazing showroom of colourful wonderment, vibrant hues and sumptuous textiles. There is so much for the senses to absorb and enjoy in both the boutique and vintage sections, but the customer-minded layout and cleverly sourced props make it truly a joyful and memorable experience. It is a very special store indeed!
So what now? Well, as we move to online sales, we are excited to attract and serve a new customer base, as well as offer this extra convenience for our established clientele. But that’s not all, we continue to develop our social media presence, not as a commercial copycat – no, we don’t do that – but seeking to experiment with new ideas in which to inspire and engage through both Facebook and Instagram; always looking for new ways to reach out to the quirky at heart.
Me, personally, I am coming back to my entertainment and creative roots, with a strong urge to forge opportunities to sing, perform and communicate through song. Not only song but more recently as a writer, with a published book in 2023 and a film, podcast and other projects.
Additionally, Quirky has recently been featured on the BBC1 drama ‘Beyond Paradise’, and the daytime hit ‘Money for Nothing’ several times.
I don’t stand still for very long, so watch this space!!
Mostly, the Quirky story and my story is about making a difference for good. It’s about supporting, encouraging, listening, inspiring, helping, building up, advocating and spreading positivity. A disruptor and a force for good! We are all about being friendly, appreciative and kind…. whilst also promoting and showcasing the often hidden truth that, your style can change the way you feel about yourself, your day, your mood and others around you. Your confidence can soar and your stride will be brighter and you will walk just that little bit taller.
Wear what makes you happy!
Wear what brings you joy!
Wear what makes the real you shine!!
If we have managed to capture that one inspiration within the framework of Quirky, then we have done a good thing! We are here for you, at any age, so come and find your joy and your very own Quirky style!
Lots of love, Juliet xx