24/07/2025
Bit different to what I usually post, but seems as it’s coming up to 8 years that I opened the shop I thought I’d re introduce myself and the business to all of my new customers!
8 whole years, I can’t quiet beleive that’s how long it’s been. I was kicked out of school at 16 years old for not complying with uniform rules (I didn’t want to remove my earrings 🤣). Now I wasn’t exactly a little s**t, I just really struggled in school. I was never really academically clever, but I was a grafter! When I was booted out of school, I went straight into working in a small factory bottling and packaging e-liquids, all while completing school work and preparing for my GCSE’s. At the time, va**ng was becoming increasingly popular and I saw a gap in the market, I wanted to open my own shop. I saved up every penny I could and came across a small property on Sacriston front street up for rent. I met with the landlord and paid my first month’s rent straight away.
When I first opened, my first invoice for stock came to around £150. The shop was bare with barely any products in it, but it was a start. A local newspaper reached out as they wanted to do a story on me which I thought was great. But, I got so much grief from strangers on the internet. Enough grief that would probably put a 16 year old lass off from continuing on her business venture, but I’m made of thick skin and didn’t let it bother me. I would get comments like “I give it 6 months max” and “it’s funny that she actually thinks this is going to work out for her”. I do like to look back at those comments to this day and giggle to myself as I’m going into my 8th year of owning the shop.
I would always get comments about the whole getting kicked out of school thing, saying that I was spoilt and that I would have to continue into further education if I actually wanted to get anywhere in life. Little did those strangers know that i went onto completing 3 years of college with fantastic grades and have now moved onto studying a degree at University, all whilst still keeping my little business a float.
Don’t get me wrong, there has been some really tough times during this venture with covid being a huge one. As Eden e-cigs is a shop, i rely on footfall. But, I cracked on and did deliveries instead, spending all day in the shop packing orders then driving around on a night time to deliver them. I do think the whole lockdown thing has made it harder for small businesses like mine as everyone started to shop online instead.
In 2021, I gained a new staff member, Browny 🐶. Browny is my rescue dog from north Macedonia who comes to work with me every day. He’s a sensitive little soul who likes to have the occasional bark but he really means no harm. He spends most of his day at work in his little ‘den’ behind the counter, sleeping the day away. Browny definitely has favourite customers, usually the customers that have brought treats in for him in the past. So, if you want browny to become your bestie I highly recommend sneaking a couple treats in your pocket on your next visit 🤣
That’s everything caught up for any new customers that may not know the background of this business. Please consider shopping local anywhere you go. I am so grateful for my customers, both the old and new. Thankyou to anyone that supports my little business and hopefully there are many more years to come. Like and share posts, tell family and friends as it all helps.
The shop is located 20 front street, Sacriston DH7 6LE.
We are open Monday-Friday 10-5:30, and Saturdays 10-4.
I also have a closed Facebook group where I post products (as im not allowed to post products on here due to Facebook regulations.) please join if you’re interested in seeing what’s in stock! 😊
