Mandy Baird and friend Kathryn Parry opened their own women’s boutique in Norwich last September.
“We worked together and became friends, and after talking about our ideas we decided to go for it and open Scarlet. It has been a fantastic year, a lot of hard work but hugely rewarding,” says Mandy.
“Kathryn always laughs at me because of the huge bag I carry around. It contains absolutely everything I need for work and home. I couldn’t be without it, especially when we are travelling to London on buying trips.”
Scarlet stocks labels which are exclusive to them in Norwich, focusing on beautiful, fashionable pieces at an affordable price.
Mandy admits that handbags are her indulgence – one label in particular. “I just love Mulberry bags – I have three,” she laughs. “At the moment I always use my Bayswater tote, which was a present from my husband last Christmas. The Mulberry bags are such extraordinary quality. The leather is just so beautiful and every single bit of it is made perfectly. I use it every day for work and home and it gets chucked all over the place but it still looks fantastic.”
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment cream, £21 for 100ml
I just love the smell and it really does seem to absorb well and keep my hands soft. It’s a bit of a luxury, so I tend to ask for it for Christmas.
Chanel Les Beiges bronzer, £39
I always have a bronzer in my bag, it is my make-up must-have. It gives me a little boost if I feel I need a bit of a touch up mid afternoon. Someone recommended this to me and I just love it. It goes on really evenly and smoothly and it is a lovely texture.
Hair serum, Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-licious Tame and Shine styling oil, 50ml, £3.99
I am lost without my hair serum and this is a brilliant product. I have got curly hair, so I like to know I can tame any wild bits of frizz during the day. My hair is very porous so a lot of products just disappear into it, but this makes a real difference.
iPhone 5s, prices vary according to contract
I use it for absolutely everything – work and personally. I can keep on top of emails, research new products, use the diary and look at orders. It syncs with my Mac Pro, which helps me manage my workload.
Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Petal, £18.50
I love the colour and the staying power is brilliant. I also always have a small tin of Vaseline to keep my lips nice and soft. Something for my lips is an essential.
And a little something else . . .
Dextro Energy Tablets, 79p
Everyone laughs about my obsession with these, but they are a must, and have to be orange flavour. They are a great pick-me-up if you are tired, hungry or if you have a little bit of a hangover.
Scarlet, 1A Guildhall Hill, Norwich, NR2 1JH; 01603 766555; www.scarletnorwich.com
