With two stores, a pop-up shop and three holiday lets to keep on top of, it is no wonder Christine Tuddenham describes her bag as her mobile office.
She opened Dotties in Holt two-and-a-half years ago, specialising in homewares, gifts, jewellery and now womenswear – but her early career could not have been more different.
“I used to work on the oil rigs and did the whole survival course thing, including escaping an upside-down helicopter simulator underwater,” she says. “But I had always been quite creative, and my husband and I began renovating houses and started to get interested in interior design. I have always been keen on arts and crafts and making things myself, so I started doing a few craft fairs and it gradually led to the idea of opening the first shop. I work incredibly long hours but I absolutely love it; I live and breathe the business.”
Christine opened Dotties in Sheringham and then a pop-up stall in Castle Mall, Norwich.
“I am not into designer labels but I know what I like, whether that is something which is £10 or £100. I love things which are beautifully made and nicely tailored. My current bag is a big polka dot canvas one. It has to be strong and practical as I am constantly buzzing between all the businesses.”
Samsung Galaxy S4 mobile phone and Acer laptop
I have upgraded to a smart phone after many years of being a technophobe. It has transformed my life as I can get so much work done when I am on the move. It is the same with my laptop. I use it for ordering stock, checking on bookings for the holiday lets, pretty much everything.
A4 diary, week-to-view, £6.99.
It is the bible. If something isn’t written in it, it gets forgotten. It is always crammed full of receipts, invoices, letters, all sorts of things until I get a chance to file them. It is essentially a mini office.
Owl nail file, £1.50.
I handle a lot of silks and scarves and don’t want to snag them, so I need to keep my nails carefully filed. We stock these cute little nail files in the shape of an owl and I just love them.
Thierry Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum 15ml, £27, body lotion 200ml, £34.
I love this fragrance but the perfume is a little heavy for daytime. Someone bought me the body lotion and now I always have it. It is a more subtle version of the fragrance and stays with you all day.
Max Factor Lipfinity, coral, £10.99.
Once it is on, it is on for the day and it is just brilliant. It is the best lipstick I have tried for staying power; it even lasts through eating and drinking.
And a little something else . . .
Dog biscuits
I have two dogs, a working cocker spaniel Cocoa and a retriever called Dexter, but also we love it when customers bring their dogs into the shop. So I always have biscuits for my two and also any visiting dogs.
Dotties, 14 Bull Street, Holt, NR25 6H; 01263 478060; 19a High Street, Sheringham, NR26 8JP; Castle Mall, Norwich (outside Starbucks).
