Who are you?

Owen Bisset, owner of Owen Bisset Boutique.

What does your business do?

We specialise in unusual handmade jewellery, gifts and crafts from all over the world.

Me and my husband love to travel and make it our mission to find quirky and fun items that we can bring back to the boutique that you won’t find elsewhere in Glasgow.

Where are you based?

We are based at 65 Hyndland Street in the West End of Glasgow.

A great little street with other independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

It's off the beaten track (helps keep prices affordable), but near enough to Byres Road to attract lots of passing customers who are drawn in by our unique shop exterior and ever changing window displays that we have become renowned for.

How did you get started?

We got started when I graduated from art school and wanted to start up my own business.

I didn't want to restrict my creative ideas by working for someone else.

I found that working for myself I have complete creative freedom.

I have my own jewellery line which I started making and selling while at art school and this continues to grow in popularity.

What is your background?

I studied interior design at Edinburgh College of Art and had a spell at Glasgow also.

This was a great time for me as I could really flex my creativity and think outside the box.

I gained lots of friends and had really great experiences during my time there.

I worked for seven years at a small local gift shop.

This helped me gain the necessary experience in customer care and the day to day running of a small business.

What is your top tip?

You have several moments of doubt. “Is this the right time?” “What if it doesnt work?” etc.

Ultimately you have to go for it. Success doesn't come to you. You have to earn it.

My shop has survived the first year of trading and they say if you survive the first year, you’re doing well.

Our customer base continues to increase exponentially.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

The shop premises was discovered by my husband who works nearby.

He told me about the available unit and I jumped at the opportunity.

You need to be quick off the mark to find premises. Being so close to him also was a bonus.

What was your first deal?

My first sale was one of my own jewellery designs.

A pair of earrings to a local lady. She is still a loyal customer.

We opened to a very successful weekend and gained a very loyal customer base from the outset, for which I am forever grateful.

People say to me that when an event comes up they need to buy for or simply to treat themselves, they say ‘Owen will have something just perfect for that’.

You get to know what your customer wants and, at the end of the day, they influence your creativity.

Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

I have always been inspired by the boutiques in Europe and have a particular affinity for Morocco.

I want my customers to feel like they had been spirited away to a chic Parisian boutique or an Aladdin's cave in Marrakech. Individuality is key.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years’ time?

I would love in five years’ time to be able to open another branch of the Owen Bisset Boutique but with a special interest in furniture imported from all corners of the earth.

We want to stay true to our individuality.

Contact Details. Owen Bisset Boutique, 65 Hyndland St, www.facebook.com/owenbissetgiftboutique