An Interview with Laura: The Heart Behind FOND, Lymm's Newest Gift Shop
Nestled in the charming streets of Lymm, Cheshire, FOND is the newest destination for unique gifts and artisan treasures. Founded by Laura, a passionate advocate for local producers and high-quality UK-made products, FOND embodies a commitment to craftsmanship and community spirit. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to supporting fellow creatives, Laura has curated a delightful selection of items that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.
In this interview, we sit down with Laura to explore the inspiration behind FOND, her vision for the shop, and her plans for collaborating with artists and creators, including Oaks Artisan. Join us as we delve into her journey, the importance of quality products, and what makes FOND a special addition to Lymm Village.
About FOND
1. Can you tell us about your journey in creating FOND? What inspired you to open a gift shop in Lymm?
Burnout from a previous job made me reflect on how I could find fulfilment in my career and consider how I could combine my skills with my personal passions. I realised that the only way to achieve this was to start my own business and maybe now was finally the time to chase a dream I’ve had in some form or another for 20 years and open my very own bricks-and-mortar shop.
I’ve lived in Lymm for 10 years and it has an amazing heritage, beautiful rural scenery and a wonderful community with many traditions. The people here love supporting their local businesses, yet the retail offering is quite limited so many residents travel elsewhere or shop online for more design-led or creative products. We also get a lot of visiting tourists and I would love to raise their experience of our village even further by helping them discover a unique token of their visit. When I saw the old Barclays bank in the village was being converted, I thought that if I want to open a shop here, this should be the site.
2. What does the name "FOND" mean to you, and how does it reflect your vision for the shop?
The name Fond reflects that all the products within are those I'm fond of and I hope shoppers will be too. Passion not profit led me to open this shop so I have to love what I'm selling to do so authentically. The brands stocked within my shop are those I have shopped from personally, or whose unique and well-made products I admire. It also represents my love and affection for shopping from small businesses, which is a love I want to share and inspire in others. I believe that positivity breeds positivity, so I want to share my enthusiasm and passion to delight shoppers with details about the people and processes behind the items in store.
Quality Products from Small Businesses
1. How important is it for you to offer quality products at FOND, and what criteria do you use when selecting items for your shop?
It's essential. I'm on a mission to inspire and encourage people to buy slow made items from small, creative businesses. For me to succeed in changing people's shopping habits I need the products I stock to be as high if not higher quality than the mass produced items they can buy in high street stores. So in terms of criteria I look for high quality in both the product and the branding. I also look for uniqueness and creative skill. Plus it has to be made in the UK and most importantly, I personally have to be really fond of the products!
2. You focus on stocking UK-made products created by small businesses. Can you share why supporting local and small businesses is essential to you?
Shopping from small businesses has long been a personal passion of mine that I now want to share. It's essential to me firstly because I love colour and bold design and often find you get the most unique and joyful items from small brands. Secondly, I love knowing who makes the products I buy, that there's quality in their lives, that they enjoyed making it. Thirdly it's way better for the environment and the economy to shop locally!
3. You recently started stocking our Oaks Artisan Chocolates. How did you find out about us and what drew you to our products?
I think I first discovered the business on instagram years ago and since then I've bought a lot of brownies from the Shepherds Hut! When I discovered you made chocolate, I knew that if it matched both the quality of your baked goods and the standards shown across the rest of your business, then it would be perfect for the shop. Then meeting the team in person I knew it would be a great fit!
4. As a new business owner, what has been the most rewarding aspect of running FOND so far?
Definitely the people. I've absolutely loved chatting to shoppers and seeing/hearing their reactions to my shop and the products I've chosen to stock. Having people walk in and say what a lovely, happy space it is has been incredible as that's exactly what I wanted, to create a joyful environment where shopping felt good. Also watching people discover, laugh at, swoon at items made by wonderful small businesses makes me feel like I'm starting to achieve my mission.
FOND can be found at Unit 3, 4-6 Eagle Brown, Lymm, WA13 0LJ
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
Visit www.fondshop.co.uk for more information. Follow on Instagram @fondshoplymm
