Amanda Parkinson, the founder of My Fab Find, is marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey as she celebrates 10 years in business.
What began as a simple visit to a unit with her son in search of a new studio for his musical pursuits turned into a life-changing moment for Amanda. Inspired by her passion for upcycling furniture, she embarked on a new adventure that would shape her future and bring joy to countless customers.
“On the 3rd of June 2013, I opened My Fab Find in unit 8 of Kenyons Yard. Within three months, I moved to a larger unit in the yard where I am now,” Amanda reminisces. “My biggest challenge was last year after Covid. Don’t get me wrong, it’s retail and every year brings different obstacles, but you just have to ride it and do your best to diversify.”
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Amanda faced her fair share of challenges. However, nothing could have prepared her for the trials and tribulations of 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “2022 was a bum of a year, and to be totally honest, I wasn’t sure I’d make it through to 2023,” she admits. “Thank goodness for my loving partner Simon for standing by me and keeping me going. My Traders stuck with me, and as a team, we stayed positive and strong.”
Reflecting on the challenging times, Amanda acknowledges the importance of the support she received. “I would not still be here today if it wasn’t for my Covid grant which I still have £300 left. I’ve used every single penny on the shop to get us through this unpredicted horrible time,” she reveals.
Looking ahead, Amanda plans to keep her shop interesting and full of loveliness. “I’ll never be a rich person, but as long as I can put food on the table, I will keep going,” she affirms. “We are a family here, and we all work hard to keep it that way. Remember the old saying ‘use it or lose it’? Well, I will do my utmost not to lose it.”
My Fab Find is a quirky shop where customers can walk in and discover something they never knew they wanted. With a wide range of items, including clothes, garden treasures, jewellery, vintage, retro, collectables, and handmade products, the shop caters to diverse tastes. “I’m so proud of each and every trader and the work they put into keeping their own stock fresh and on-trend,” Amanda proudly states.
The success of My Fab Find can be attributed not only to the unique products it offers but also to Amanda’s commitment to creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere. “I feel keeping positive and cheery is always my top key. People have enough trouble in their own lives, so keeping the shop cheerful and having a little chat just brings normality, even just for a few moments,” she shares. Over the years, Amanda has built personal connections with her customers, witnessing kids grow up and cherishing the relationships formed along the way.
As My Fab Find celebrates a decade of business, Amanda extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Kenyons Yard family. “Special thank you to the Kenyons Yard family Shirley, Nikki, Steven, and the late Gerard. You have shown me nothing but kindness, support, and love since I’ve been there, and I will always appreciate that,” she concludes.
My Fab Find’s 10-year journey stands as a testament to Amanda Parkinson’s resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit. With a strong community of traders and loyal customers by her side, she looks forward to many more years of bringing joy and inspiration to the Andover community.
