Behind The Business: Shruti & Co

Hi I'm Tricia and I own Shruti & Co whiche is a gift shop at Bearsden Cross.  We have been open just over a year now and have homeware and gifts for all.  We offer a range of glassware, cushions & throws, home fragrance alongside gifts & cards for everyone. I am also the owner of Vanity Fair Scotland just round the corner, our sister business. 

 

What made you decide to start your business? What advice do you have for anyone thinking of becoming their own boss?

 

We opened Shruti & Co after taking the decision to close the shoe shop. Shopping habits and fashion trends changed after Covid so it was important for us to adapt accordingly and I thought home & gifts would be a good addition to the variety of lovely shops we have in Bearsden.

If you want to become your own boss I’d say go for it! It’s hard work and can mean long hours especially when you’re starting out. Get advice from places like business gateway and talk to other local business owners. Be warned, it can all consuming and take over your life!!!

 

How was life in lockdown for you and how did you adapt during this time?

 

Lockdown was hard for everyone. Establishing a website for our fashion stores was key to survival and we opened Shruti after the 2020 lockdowns but keeping masks on giving space and keeping our team and customers safe was our priority.

 

What trends are you most excited about in your industry at the moment?

This Christmas we are loving some of the opulent colours in our cushions - olive greens, black & gold. Making the home feel warm and cosy is what we are looking forward to this winter.

 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

No 2 days are the same! I can be meeting sales reps, buying stock for the seasons ahead, trying to keep up on the admin or having meetings with members of my team as well as spending time in the shops.

 

How do you structure work / life / play? Do you find it easy to switch off and if so how?

Switching off is hard! My brain is always on the go . I do Pilates to help me keep fit and switch off and I love catching up with my boys whenever they can fit me in.