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Amy Bartlett is the brains behind IDAHO, a store based up north in Altrincham. In Amy’s words, IDAHO is ‘a collection of products that I genuinely love’.
However, if you see something you like, it’s best to snap it up immediately. IDAHO is a fast-paced and ever changing space, as Amy (who previously spent the 9-5 as an interior stylist) is always changing things up.
‘IDAHO adapts and changes all the time,’ she explained. ‘I don’t want the shop to ever feel stale so the stock changes quickly.’
So, how does Amy manage to strike a balance between quantity and quality? Through her constant hunger for finding newness. Amy explains her biggest influences are in the palm of her hand...‘I find a lot of my inspiration on Instagram. With a mix of following different artists and illustrators, interior design accounts and paint colour hashtags.
'I begin to see the newest colour trends before the bigger high street companies. It’s something I enjoy doing in my personal time as well as in the shop.’
Remaining authentic to her own personal brand is important to Amy, who always prioritises her own taste above everything else. ‘As a business owner, make sure you continue to do the things you love most. It’s important to keep enjoying it, and don’t lose sight of the reason you opened your business in the first place.’
Speaking of business milestones, Amy is very happy to still be thriving in her local area - highlighting that ‘being stable on the high street for four years’ hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worthwhile. ‘I'm lucky that the people of Altrincham have such a fantastic sense of community and want to support local independents,’ she adds.
And what could the next five years (and then some) bring for IDAHO? ‘I’m so happy at the pace the shop is at now that I’m taking my time, making sure I continue to thoroughly enjoy my job. When I’m happy, I think the shop looks happy too.’
Visit Amy's store at: 56 Greenwood St | WA14 1RZ | Altrincham | UK
Follow along: @idahoaltrincham
