Business award is‘cherry ontop’
Little miracle
Annagrace’s birthday was a huge milestone for the family and a beautiful celebration for them.
And it turned out to be part of a double celebration, with the business couple being nominated for an award that same week.
Andrew and Nicola manage Village Blinds in Nerston, and received their first ever nomination for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.
The family-run business, established in East Kilbride and Clarkston, is up for Soft Furnishing Retailer of the Year.
Proud dad-of-three Andrew, 48, said the surprise nomination was the “cherry on top” after such a difficult year trying to keep the business afloat while looking after Annagrace.
He said: “It was such good timing – almost to the day Annagrace turned one, we got that email so it was a double celebration.
“The business never ran as well as it could have because my head was elsewhere, but all of our customers understood and our staff really pulled together and kept the place running for us.
“So to be nominated for this award when going through all this is incredible.”
The pair may call Annagrace their ‘wee Hulk,’ but Andrew reckons that he knows where his gorgeous daughter gets her fighting spirit from.
He explained: “I would come to hospital in the morning, then go and do my work then come back to see her at night.
“It was so stressful.
“But Nicola was there all day, every day and never left her side – my wife is a hero.
“Since coming home Annagrace has really thrived.
“We just feel so lucky.” Andrew added: “With having one eye on her and one eye on the business to be nominated for this – and by the public – means so much.
“It’s nice to be acknowledged and we feel privileged.”