Interview with Myself

I love checking out the fashion mags for obvious reasons (well it's part of my job.) I particularly enjoy the interviews so I thought I'd interview myself. Here goes!

Out of all the things you could do why be a market trader?

After years being stuck in offices working for other people, I thought it was time to test what I could do for myself. And what woman doesn't love jewellery?

But there must be an easier way to start a business...

I don't think it's easy to start any business and according to statistics most fail within the first two years.

So how come Myriad Life Jewellery is still here after six years?

Well it's a mixture of huge support from my other half, a willingness to learn, a belief in what I'm trying to achieve and sheer bloodymindedness! What people (including myself at the beginning) don't realise is that success doesn't come overnight despite all those quick fix tv programmes. It takes a long time to gain the confidence of customers and find out what they want. You never stop learning. Our aim to provide great fashion jewellery at affordable prices and offer friendly personal service and advice where required.

What would you say are the best and worst features of having a market stall?

Well the best is that I get to be outside. I've never been one for being cooped up and so long as it isn't blowing a gale, heavy rain or snowing I don't generally mind how cold it gets or hot for that matter. Also I get to meet a huge variety of people who for the most part are really nice. We've had a few odd ones over the years including a white witch but generally people are very interesting and fun to get to know.

I also absolutely love setting up, every day I do a new jewellery display and fiddle around with the scarves. It's a source of great pride and satisfaction to provide a display that people appreciate. They often comment how good it all looks and I never get tired of getting praised!

The downsides are rubbish weather which sometimes means you can't go out at all. Dark mornings - I don't like setting up in the dark and days when you don't get to see many people because of the weather. It can get a bit boring and demoralising sitting around doing nothing when you've gone to all that effort setting up. The other traders cheer you up though, that's when they're not moaning too!

If you didn't sell jewellery/scarves what would you sell?

I love being creative and I'd love to sell art but I still don't think I'd enjoy it as much as the jewellery. There's great pleasure in watching people treat themselves and choosing gifts. One woman bought her Granddaughter a necklace for having done a good job washing her car the other day. They were so happy it was nice to see.

How do you deal with difficult or rude customers?

It's pretty rare to get anyone truly horrible though it has happened. People who have no respect for the display and toss it around are a challenge. I bite my tongue but sometimes I very pointedly go around tidying up after them until they get the message. In truth I display the jewellery so that people can touch it and try it on so in a sense I'm asking for it to get messed up! Also I don't like it when people can't be bothered to say 'please' or 'thank you' politeness costs nothing.

On the whole my customers are charming so no real complaints.

What are the greatest misconceptions about market traders?

Well I think the main one is that the stall magically sets itself up and that we just sit around all day taking money. Most traders work very hard. It isn't just about turning up on the day, traders research their stock, they have to buy it, price it, pack it, some of them even deliver it. Add to that we have to do our own book keeping. My stall takes 3-4 hours to set up and nearly two hours to break down. Market traders are business people like any other. We have the advantage that if we aren't doing much trade in one town we can always move to another. Having said that we nearly all visit regular markets on a weekly basis all year round.

Any famous people visit markets?

In Fakenham, Trigger from Only Fools and Horses visits now and again, I've served Liza Goddard on my stall, a famous snooker player comes to Sheringham, other traders have mentioned famous people too. I'm waiting for Prince Charles and Camilla to take a trip over to Fakenham next time they are in the area. I know Camilla shops in Holt and Fakenham isn't that far away.

Why should people shop at markets?

Markets are an ancient British tradition, it's how shopping started and it's still a brilliant way to shop. You can get great quality goods at sensible prices. Markets aren't just about the produce though obviously there's nothing like fresh fruit, fish and meat, a huge variety of other goods get sold too, everything from books, shoes, CDs, mobile phone accessories, car cleaning products, clothing, plants, pet supplies - the list is endless. Nowadays, everyone is going on about environmentally friendly shopping, well markets provide just that, no electricity or expensive heating, just lots of good healthy fresh air.

What is your favourite market?

That's difficult to answer. All the markets I have different atmospheres. I like Diss because the market takes place in the centre of the town every Friday so the market provides a real focus. Fakenham has two markets, the town and Auction Site market so the variety is enormous. People can buy bric-a-brac and antiques as well as modern goods. Sheringham has a unique atmosphere being at the coast and comes into its own during the summer season. Holidaymakers return year after year. I don't have a special favourite, they are all unique.

Would you ever go back and work in a nice warm office?

Not if I can help it!