• Who are you?

Suzi Nicol, owner of Sunshine No.1

Sunshine No.1 got the name after weeks of debate and a deadline looming for the signwriter. The sunshine part comes from the name my mum used to call me when I was little and a desire to bring a happy ray of sunshine to the Southside.

The 'No.1' was a bit of a joke from my husband about this being the first of my shops. So, it started as a bit tongue in cheek but now I'd love to think there could be a Sunshine No.2 some day.

• What does your business do?

Sunshine No.1 is an independent art and gift shop where every item has been crafted in Scotland.

I'm passionate about showcasing the best of local talent and you'll find loads of beautiful and unique gifts that can't be found on the high street. Many of the items are completely unique and all great quality but are affordable too.

From original art, prints and photographs to jewellery, candles, homewares, accessories and much more lovely stuff.

We hold small and friendly arts and crafts classes too, run by several of the local makers and artists.

• Where are you based?

1043 Cathcart Road, Mount Florida, G42 9AF – right beside Hampden. I chose here as there are fabulous corner windows which are great for displays as well as letting lots of light into the shop.

They also attract quite a lot of passing trade as I'm right on one of the main roads to/from Glasgow.

Mount Florida is a great area too, with a young and vibrant community. I have been very lucky as the local community has been really receptive to the shop's concept and many of them support and promote the shop whenever possible.

• How did you get started?

I used to sell my own products at craft fairs and was always amazed at the wealth of talent in Scotland. I shopped at online shops such as Etsy and Not on the High Street and I wanted to bring some of that Scottish talent together in a physical, permanent shop and show people that you don't have to buy from the large chains or break the bank to have beautiful, quality gifts and art.

• What is your background

I worked in the Civil Service for 21 years, mostly within Project Management, and made handcrafted products as a sideline.

I decided to take voluntary redundancy in 2014 after my mum died from bowel cancer and my dad was then diagnosed with it 6 months later. I decided life was too short to not follow your dreams.

• What is your top tip?

Being self employed means a lot of hard work but always try to take time away from it – it helps you refresh & refocus.

• How long has your business been running?

The shop has been open since 6th August 2015

• Has anyone helped you get started and how?

I took initial advice from Business Gateway on start ups and then on building a Business Plan. This helped me understand where any gaps or weaknesses might be.

I couldn't have got the shop ready without a huge amount of hard graft and support from family and friends who kindly and willingly brought any expertise they could offer! I really couldn't have done it without them!

• What was your biggest mistake/or what would you do differently?

I wouldn't underestimate how long it can take to get a small shop up and running, particularly around legal negotiations and the physical labour needed to transform a space into your vision! And I wish I'd been prepared for the amount of dusting required on a daily basis.

•Contact details

http://www.sunshinenumber1.co.uk

www.facebook.com/GlasgowSunshine.number1

https://twitter.com/sunshine_no_1