A Middlesbrough mum plans to bring a bit of a shine to women’s lives with the opening of a new shop.
Sparklzz, in the town’s Dundas Indoor Market, will sell costume jewellery made or supplied by sixty-two-year-old Anita Zabrocky.
Although Anita has never run a business before she is no stranger to retail or dealing with members of the public.
For more than a quarter of a century she was a sales assistant at Middlesbrough’s much-loved toy shop Romer Parrish and its successor Beatties.
But while most of her time there was spent selling toys for boys – model trains and racing cars – Sparklzz is firmly focused on providing women with costume jewellery, as treats or presents, at affordable prices
“It started as a hobby,” says Anita who lives in Middlesbrough’s Easterside. “I was making little angels to put on necklaces and ear-rings, and it went from there.” Sparklzz will also sell personalised keepsake boxes with necklaces for special occasions.
Anita’s jewellery first proved popular at her local church’s craft fair and she has had a stall several times at Redcar’s craft market.
“I did the Middlesbrough Town Meal this year and that went really well. So I just decided to give it a try as an up-and-coming business,” she says.
Despite her long experience in retail and the popularity of her products, Anita was still apprehensive about taking such a big step.
“Never in a month of Sundays did I think I would have my own store. I didn’t think it would be in my reach. Dundas Market was the obvious choice. I saw an advert and thought why not. Let’s give it a go. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Anita is benefitting from Dundas Market’s scheme to support new traders where they pay the equivalent of £10 a day to rent an Enterprise Unit on a short term tenancy agreement. Her new business is being supported by the Dundas Market manager David Harris.
“We are delighted to welcome Sparklzz,” says David. “I’m sure Anita will do well, especially given the quality of her jewellery and her experience in retail. Her timing, of course, couldn’t be more ideal as Dundas Market gets ready for our Christmas shoppers
“Anita is lucky because space in our vibrant market is now at a premium and we are having to create more retail space to accommodate more businesses which want to join us. But, we still want to hear from prospective new tenants and welcome enquiries.”
