A wool shop with hidden treasures…
Following careers in the food industry, social services and hospitality Catherine Duffin decided a change of direction was needed. She moved to Scarborough in 1994 and had run a hotel for 9 years before selling the business. She always had quite a keen interest in crafts with knitting being a firm favourite so joined a knitting group at her local wool shop. When the owner decided to close the business she began to formulate a plan to take over the lease.
After months of hard work, her new business, Alibaabaas, opened in March this year and stocks yarns and accessories for yarn crafts – the only shop of its kind in Scarborough.
Catherine has been supported by the York & North Yorkshire Chamber Start Up programme to get the business off the ground. She said: “I have had tremendous support from my business coach Chris Goddard. I think I would have been overwhelmed had I tried to go it alone.”
She adds: The best thing about starting up is the excitement of something new – this has already boosted my confidence and helped me regain my independence.”
Her advice to anyone starting their own business would be: “Get sound advice and professional help to keep you on track with what needs to be done. Keep your mind on what you want to achieve and don’t give up.”