LEONIE HOWE

Leonie is the owner of an independent fashion store in Northampton, Berties. Today we talk about her journey to success.

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Have you always loved fashion?

I've always had a fashion orientated family, so yes it was no surprise that I was drawn to fashion from a very early age. However, the path was not straightforward for me, instead I went to secretarial college, and went on to work in an office in London. It was in London where I really found my passion for women’s boutiques, spending each Saturday shopping..

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In 1993, armed with my business acumen, I returned to my hometown, Northampton and true calling... fashion! I opened Berties and not looked back since!

 

Berties is an independent clothing store specialising in beautiful women’s fashion.

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What's your favourite part of your job?

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I love being able to help women look and feel great, and know all the hard work my team and I put into buying pays off by giving women this feeling. 

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In particular I want to make mature woman like myself feel confident, as its been programmed in us that once we hit 40, the fashion police are sent to track us down to confiscate our “cool card” and thereby revoking our rights to dress in a trendy and fashion forward way. I like to squash those stereotypes and wear what makes me feel good!

 

What's your favourite quote? 

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“Fashion is what you buy, Style is what you do with it!”

 

It really sums up Berties and why we offer a personal styling service for free. We see our customers as our friends and love having plenty of fun styling outfits in our stores.

 

So if your ever in the ares check out our store,  you will be warmly welcomed! If not find us online at www.bertiesclothing.com.