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I'm honoured to say the least that I've been been named as one of the UK’s most 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s  f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.   As the owner of DJV Boutique, my journey will be showcased alongside 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK, as part of the campaign’s recognition of the multi-achievements of women that have proved critical to society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched in 2017 to highlight amazing female role models to help and inspire all small businesses, through content, stories and events. It particularly aims to showcase trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support, activities I was called out for my dedication in training and mentoring apprentices, pivoting my business by demonstrating resilience and overcoming some fierce challenges since the pandemic. DJV was also selected as one of Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 UK 2020. From beekeepers to PPE suppliers to tech entrepreneurs, this year’s campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished despite Covid-19, with many still growing or starting new ventures. On being listed in the #ialso100, I quote “This is our eighth year of trade and the growth of our business has been positive – despite the set backs of the pandemic. This is such an exciting springboard for me and so empowering to be amongst such influential women in the f: entrepreneur community.” It’s also a privilege to represent business owners in our region as well as the UK.” Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the director of Small Business Saturday UK.

We love to work with local businesses and we're delighted to welcome Novara Clothing to DJV Boutique as an in-store concession. Novara is a family run business that's dedicated to supplying leggings to people of all shapes and sizes with comfort and support with exciting patterns being at the forefront of their exclusive creations.  The idea for Novara Clothing was developed when director Ali was in her late stages of pregnancy - all she wanted was comfortable clothes. During this time the husband and wife team came up with a line of leggings which exhume quality as well as style. They are thick, squat proof and very soft. The leggings are not only colourful and comfy, they're also equipped with handy front pockets.  As well as featuring numerous styles the emerging brand caters from sizes 8-26 and the patterns are all exclusive to Novara. Novara Clothing was devised on a clever combination of the family's names, daughter Nova, husband Ryan and wife Ali. The brand's ethics is all about delivering a first class service to local people and further afield which ties in nicely with our principles at DJV Boutique. Call in to view this exciting and fun collection now available at DJV!  Activewear is stretchy by nature and Novara's designs have a sizing chart with dual sizing, to help you select the right size easily. PLUS All of their leggings are full length! Check them out online here: SHOP WITH NOVARA CLOTHING To celebrate teaming up with us Novara is giving 10% OFF to all DJV Customers when they shop online at NOVARA CLOTHING simply enter DJV10 at the checkout! Welcome aboard Ali and Ryan xx

This year has been a real game-changer for business and industry alike across the globe. Obviously, the impact cv-19 has been extraordinary for retail along with the shift in shopping patterns focusing predominantly online. In response, we’ve faced these challenges head-on and have adapted. Having familiarised ourselves with lockdown the first time around we readily introduced a series of personalised online solutions in readiness to keep our customers engaged.Now established for nearly a decade we’ve grown in popularity amongst those looking for fashion inspiration. To entice our customers we sell carefully selected stock which is exclusive to the area. DJV provides a welcome fashion solution which sets us apart from conventional retailing as we continue to evolve and introduce fresh ideas. There’s the option to treat yourself or someone special to something unique which exhumes individuality and style when you shop with us.DJV’s bespoke services include; style revamp packages, gifting services, gift cards and a special ordering service. Our customer loyalty is available now - sign up in store to start collecting today FIND OUT MORE!

Our latest accolade has been a very one exciting to say the least! DJV Boutique, Ipswich has been fortunate enough to be featured in National Magazine "YOURS" in an interview covering how small businesses like ours are adapting to the dramatic change in retailing and shopping patterns. This also covers off the resilience strategy we have in place since re-opening in June. As nominees of the Small Business Saturday UK - SmallBiz100 - we feel privileged to be representing SME's in our region through this and honoured to be included in this fabulous feature alongside BIRA (BRITISH INDEPENDENT RETAILERS ASSOCIATION) as one of their members. Such exposure is invaluable at this critical time, as we continue to face such unprecedented times! A positive interview and great read which will hopefully encourage more people to shop local in the longer term. See the full article on page 19.

Here at DJV Boutique, Ipswich we’re always on the lookout, exploring ideas on how we can best improve our products and services, whilst keeping our ethical principles firmly in place. From the outset, our aim has always been to GO-GREEN whenever possible, whether it’s been through our energy supply, sourcing products or packaging. We currently sell Youngblood Mineral Makeup and Zoya Nail Polishes and recently introduced a range of Luxury Vegan Brushes to further expand our eco-beauty offering. All of these ranges are totally ethical and supported by key credentials. We’re proud to endorse these brands as they are kind to nature, free-from harsh chemicals and toxins, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and exclusive to our area. As we already sell makeup, the brushes are the perfect fit for quality and additional eco-representation. The beautiful brushes complete with presentation box represent great value for money (at £35.00) for a full set. They are perfect for MUA's or anyone who desires flawless makeup application. Available in-store at DJV BOUTIQUE or online via the link here > LUXURY VEGAN BRUSHES

Over the years we've been fortunate enough to attract lots of media attention. During our temporary closure, we ensured that we still 'engaged' with the media world. As an outcome, we featured in the local press and appeared on BBC Radio Suffolk, BBC Radio 5 and ITV and BBC News. The coverage and interviews demonstrated how we were coping with the impact of COVID-19 and what strategies we have in place to maintain consumer confidence. Such great exposure has kept DJV well highlighted. Naturally, all publicity is invaluable to us especially during these uncertain times on the basis of stimulating interest and sharing news-worthy updates. More recently since re-opening we're feeling very privileged to gain more great coverage  - courtesy of  BIRA - BRITISH RETAILERS ASSOCIATION who continue to fully guide and support small independent businesses like ours. As BIRA members, we are grateful for such support and proud to represent retailing in Suffolk. Photo credit: Anglia Picture Agency.

We did it! We're thrilled to officially share that we have been selected as one of Small Business Saturday's #SmallBiz100 2020.  We're really proud of this fantastic achievement and look forward to sharing more news of the campaign throughout the year. The #SmallBiz100 is an annual countdown of 100 businesses in the 100 days running up to Small Business Saturday. Starting today! It’s just 100 days until the BIG DAY, this year 5th December. Our dedicated day will take place in October - we can't wait to share this special day with you all.  It's great to be part of a wider network representing small businesses across the UK.

What a great start to our re-opening plans...It's always a huge privilege being interviewed and represent not only ourselves as a local business but the wider community. Friday 12th June, ITV NEWS  covered local retailers getting back to the new norm. when we were featured and covered our new COVID-secure measures.On Monday 15th June, A live interview with Victoria Derbyshire - BBC NEWS (via Face time) alongside Helen Dickinson CEO of the British Retail Consortium and CEO of Oxfam Danny Sriskandarajah - a great experience all round and a chance to get Ipswich on the wider map. As retailers affected by the restrictions of this pandemic - we amongst all other Independents, are all depending on support and commitment from our customers during this recovery period. This exposure on TV has been amazing. We really appreciate the support and positive feedback. We're COVID SecureThanks for the encouragement thus far - Ipswich, Together We Can!

Hurray ! We’re in celebration mode (albeit lockdown style) as it’s DJV Boutique’s 8th birthday today. It’s just a shame that we can’t share this moment with our team, loved ones, special friends and lovely customers.High street shopping has changed dramatically over the years with online retailing being a leading factor. Fortunately for us at DJV Boutique we strike a balance by providing an accessible online shop: djvboutique.co.uk as well as an attractive in store solution in Ipswich town. Our research tells us that DJV clientele prefer to visit us at the boutique to experience the personal service, styling advice and to view our collections in reality.We express our sincere appreciation to all customers, supporters and associates who have made a direct contribution in keeping DJV on the map over the past eight years. A crucial network which we rely upon to keep the business operational. Admittedly reaching this milestone is a humbling experience and a positive accomplishment despite some of the obstacles we have encountered.A special thanks to those who continue to invest in what they love the most about us - our unique, stylish brand and unique fashion lines.Supporting small businesses has never been more vital as we aim to rebuild the local and UK economy collectively together. As a small team we continue to weather the storm, facing the adverse impact of Covid-19 head on. That’s why we’re looking for new ways to innovate and adapt to the changes and stimulate trade! This includes increasing the choices online, re-introducing click & collect (in-store), alongside launching a same day ‘free’ local delivery service.Once we open again for peace of mind we’ll limit customers to two at a time and introduce an exclusive “by appointment only” option for those who wish to express this as a preference. We’re also currently implementing the appropriate safe guard and hygiene measures ready for our phased re-opening. The safety of all those around us remains our top priority.We do hope you’ll visit us in the foreseeable future and thanks again for your continued support!Watch this space for our re-opening updates.