Louise De-Vyliers, owner of Miss De-Vyliers, opened the popular boutique in Pontyclun in October 2018. It was the culmination of a life’s dream. Louise tells us more.
Starting up the business was the culmination of a life’s dream, but I don’t think anything can quite prepare you for the everyday demands of running your own business.
What do you offer your customers?
I aim to offer our customers stylish clothing that’s a little bit different – offering great value for money. The range goes from casual to classy, day wear and evening wear. When I started, my aim was to help women more of a mature age and all sizes, who could have lost their way in fashion and give them some helpful, personal attention. But now I find my customers are any age from twenty upwards.
Describe your customers?
I have many faithful local customers but also customers coming from as far afield as Somerset. With an online presence which is being improved, customers are getting in touch from all over the UK. The shopping experience is friendly, personal and attentive with nothing being too much trouble. I have wonderful staff including ladies with years of relevant retail experience plus highly talented graduates.
Are you excited about your autumn/winter collections?
The autumn/winter range is always exciting and we take great care to advise our customers to wear colours that suit their skin tone. This season has many loose-fitting, comfy tops ready for the cold winter days; jackets to layer, stretch trousers and jeans with party wear coming in later in the year.
What about accessories?
I also stock a wide range of accessories and gifts, including bags, shoes, belts, jewellery and, with Christmas just around the corner, gifts for all the family. But also love listening to my customers to see what they would like to see in the shop.
What do you see in MDV’s future?
My ambition for Miss De-Vyliers (MDV) is to create a brand that stands on its own and is recognised as such; bringing the broadest range of products available to ladies who would like to feel good about themselves. I realise that if I am to achieve my goals, I need to work with other great people and I need to differentiate my brand from the market. To this end, I am building relationships not just in the UK, but internationally, including suppliers and other fashion houses.
I will be selling clothes that are not available in any other outlet in the UK plus a range of MDV own manufactured garments.
What makes MDV special?
A passionate believer in collaboration, I am establishing partnerships with like-minded business owners, so I can offer my customers other lines such as lingerie and baby clothes. Also ethical fashion, using items from sustainable sources. This is a major focus going forward.
Is online good for you?
Yes, Miss De-Vyliers is working well online and I am investing a lot of resource into making sure the online experience is as productive as it can be.
Anything exciting to add?
I have a few pieces of exciting news at this current time. I am about to launch my own range of Miss De-Vyliers shirts and blouses. I am expanding my boutique, so as of September 23rd 2019, I will be taking over the shop next door, hopefully opening on Friday October 25th 2019 which will be the first anniversary of the opening of the first Miss De-Vyliers boutique.
The next twelve months are going to be really exciting and I look forward to seeing the benefit of the hard work I have put in really paying off.
Miss De-Vyliers
16 Cowbridge Road
Pontyclun CF72 9ED
07814 022483
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