Bold and daring is the feeling I get about Audacia Interiors as I wander around on a much needed retail therapy day recently.
And indeed that is the Latin translation of the name, chosen by Andrea Marshall-Dixon’s for her business venture at Old Elvet in Durham City.
Peering into the shop, you get the feeling that you will walk into a cold gothic style environment, as the walls are decorated in black. But you immediately get a sense of warmth on entering, not only from the welcome that Andrea gives you but from the eclectic mix of delights that grace the floor, walls and display tables.
Andrea is comfortable and relaxed with potential customers, a skill learned as a mortgage advisor with Lloyds for over 22 years.
Feeling frustrated and bored at the bank and turning 40 prompted her to reconsider many things in her life.
A two year course in Interior Design and Architecture completed 10 years previously would now enable Andrea to fulfill her potential and dreams of opening her own interior design shop.
But it took another two years and lots of research whilst still working at Lloyds for her to take the final leap into the retail world.
She said: “I have always felt passionate about design. Finding this place made me feel like I was coming home”.
So, work began to transform the former florists shop into Audacia which has an elegant feel offering small items of jewellery and quirky walking sticks to her larger statement pieces such as Danish Dressers, huge hurricane lamps and ornate mirrors.
Carefully chosen and beautifully displayed, there’s no need to be cautious whilst browsing as Andrea is happy for you handle potential purchases. And she’s always ready to help as much as she can and will source items that are not on display.
“Sometimes when men come in to look for presents for wives or girlfriends, or they may be shopping with them, they try and watch what their ladies seem to like and come back. I can usually remember what they looked at and I gift wrap for them. The men seem to appreciate this service, I get a lot of satisfaction in doing this for my customers and the feedback from the ladies is great too “, she tells me.
And having just returned from a trade fair in Paris, Andrea is buzzing with energy and ideas to satisfy discerning shoppers from throughout the region.
Audacia is attracting a growing reputation and Andrea hopes to expand her business and open shops in other areas.
You never know ladies – you might be surprised with gifts from our other halves in the future. Will they be bold enough to walk into Audacia?
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