#FollowVintageStar
Elaine Duffy is dedicated to fashion, she has embraced her love of vintage, preloved and rockabilly style and has turned that passion into a business by setting up ‘Vintage Star’, starting as an online page Elaine is now venturing into new waters with the launch of her popup shop this week in Foyleside Shopping Centre. You’ll find beautiful items from the 1950’, 60s, 70s – original vintages items and handmade, retro-inspired clothing and jewellery. Elaine is one of the ladies on our SheGenerate programme and it is so exciting to see her business flourish. We asked Elaine a few questions about her founder journey so far.
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Stylish, Empath, Strong, Approachable and Fun.
What prompted you to start your business?
Why I started researched and looked into what was available in the north and saw there was a lack of new vintage /reproduction clothing and rockabilly style as it’s my passion I felt it was time to get started helping people to achieve the vintage look, there are many who love the style here in the North but you have to order online. So I set up a private group on Facebook and I am adding my customers there to get ideas and share plans in the future. My customers are performance artists, singers, dancers and vintage enthusiasts but the clothing is appealing to everyone, especially after being indoors for all the pandemic I felt it would appeal as it will be nice to get dressed up again!
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I am back in my hometown Derry after living overseas in Holland and my years of travel through Europe, India, Thailand and Japan. I returned from overseas with my daughter to start a new life for us where we would have support. I have worked in many jobs over the years, hospitality, retail also the holistic field. I have a passion for fashion and history so the vintage lifestyle felt natural for me, it’s a lovely community to be a part of! I was lucky to be in M&S when returning back but I felt my potential is so much more so looked into doing something to be more happy and use my creativity.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
It’s been a whirlwind, it is now manifesting and feels fab as its all falling nicely in to place, I am very lucky to have amazing friends and family who support me, my daughter has been the one to keep pushing me to do what I wish for. She is now a teenager so it’s a lot more easy to do my own things she keeps me on my toes! It empowers me to keep striving for my dreams and it inspires others when they see me doing well ! Its challenging me to be more confident and step out of the comfort zone.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I was told about it by friends and saw that the application was opening and thought it would be a great opportunity and exciting opportunity! And to have that support its key to success 🙌
What are you hoping to get out of the SheGenerate process?
I hope to get more support and form good strong friendships and build my business with a great support team behind me!
What does success look like to you - in 12 months and in 5 years?
I see the shop doing well over its first year and in 5 years going from strength to strength with collaborations with local businesses and other organisations
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub - now that you have the community's attention - what can we/they do for you?
Give advice and information if I get stuck
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables and your Six Words to Live By?
Angel from the programme Escape to the Chateau inspires me as she has kept her focus and her vision, I plan to do the same when it gets tough. I will plan and adapt to what is thrown at me. Sometimes we have to take a risk and follow our heart not what anyone else wants, be true to yourself. Never try never know!
