Business owners fulfilling dream with new ventures
“I didn’t really think about it, I just jumped in at the deep end.”
Those were the words of one of East Wittering’s newest business owners, who fulfilled a lifelong dream in opening her own shop.
Christa Millar’s ladies fashion store, Boutique 20, is based at Wittering Walk Shopping Arcade.
“I’ve always wanted to have a little boutique,” Christa said. “There’s nothing around like it. There’s not many the same so it is definitely needed.”
After opening in November, the shop had to close when the country was plunged into a second fullscale lockdown.
This meant former cabin crew member Christa missed out on an official opening day but, having reopened to customers last month, is keen to make up for lost time.
Meanwhile, friends and restaurant managers Pippa Grundy and Rosie Broad, along with their partners Pete Greenhalgh and Craig Holden, who are both chefs, have set up a new food stall called Bull Yard Pizza.
Based near the beach, the group’s pizza oven has been a hit with the locals.
Pippa said the venture was born out of lockdown after the group all lost their jobs at a restaurant, adding: “It was a challenge but two months in and people are loving it.”
Many of East Wittering’s established businesses are continuing to thrive during the pandemic.
Julie Kearns, who owns Salty Dog Emporium at Wittering Walk, revealed how the idea for her business, which was named after her Labrador, came from her time working with children.
“Everything I do supports children throughout their education in their learning development,” she said. “We are quite unique from most other toy shops. We are very traditional, offering wooden toys, arts and crafts for older children.”
To read more, visit: chichester.co.uk/business