RESIDENTS can relive the classics after a new vintage clothes shop opened for business.
Amanda Howell, from Halstead, has opened new shop Vintage Soul in the town.
“I have always had a passion for vintage clothing,” said Amanda.
“From a young age I enjoyed making, upcycling and altering clothes with my mother, and the passion grew from there with a dream to always have my own shop.”
Moving to Halstead with her husband in 2019, Amanda spoke of her journey to get where she is now.
“I never went to fashion college or university so I am self-taught and with perseverance I never gave up,” she said.
“I always had a desire to have my own shop and sell the clothes I love to wear.
“I started selling second-hand and vintage clothing in the early 90s on a stall at vintage fayres and in 2009 I started selling to online platforms.
“My first opportunity was in 2017 where I was selling vintage and retro clothing and upcycling my own designs from a small premises at Battlesbridge Antique Centre.
“My business grew very quickly so I moved to a larger premises.
“Unfortunately, due to the pandemic I decided to close my shop but continued to sell online and kept in touch with my customers on social media.
“In 2019 my husband and I relocated to Halstead.
“An opportunity presented itself for me to once again have my own shop and Vintage Souls was born.”
Vintage Souls, which opened in Head Street at the end of March, sells a range of vintage women's clothing from the 1960s to the 1980s.
All the vintage clothing is sourced and handpicked by Amanda.
She said: “I have had such amazing support from everyone and the community and am excited for my future in Halstead.
“After a great response I have decided to introduce a men's vintage range into the shop which will be coming very soon.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you whom came to my shop since opening and for all the continued support for my little business.
“It means so much and it's lovely to hear that so many people believe and support sustainable second-hand fashion.
“I look forward to building a long lasting customer relationship with you all and being a valued retail outlet in Halstead.”
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