History and Future
2006
Day one of Maya Maya boutique, April 2006, it was supposed to be a part time hobby for Amanda, after retiring from the motor industry. Ten years and ten different shops (in this yard alone) later, a recession, Storm Desmond and a flood, Maya Maya eventually outgrew this location and moved to Wainwrights Yard in Kendal.
2016
2016 saw Maya Maya moved to its new location in Kendal.
Ladieswear, menswear, footwear, a hair and beauty salon and several large fund raising events, kept Amanda and the team very busy.
Brexit and its implications added an extra level of stress to the normal retail challenges.
2020
Although Maya Maya had never ventured 'online'; Amanda had been toying with the idea of a website and out of Town Destination shopping for 12 months or so and then the pandemic hit and it was time for the next chapter. Out of town shopping with its own parking, a new website, and an appointment based boutique presented plenty of challenges but as ever, the team, rose to them. It became a whole new World.
During lockdown Amanda set up a support group for UK boutiques, Boutiques in Business and was awarded The Covid Champion award by Drapers for her efforts. The group adopted the phrase 'Buy unique, shop boutique' the aim was to encourage consumers to support independent boutiques.
2022
Amanda was further rewarded when her efforts to support small business were recognised by His majesty the King and Amanda attended a small business event at Buckingham Palace. " A once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget"
In 2022 Amanda started to be very aware of the negative effects the fashion industry has on our planet and as part of Maya Maya's efforts to support Reuse, Amanda set up a free to join, zero commission based platform where her customers can buy and sell pre loved goods from each other, this was only a foot in the door for what has become a passion for Amanda.
Today
"It feels like we have been subjected to challenge after challenge during the last 18 years", says Amanda "The economic climate of 2023, 2024 has certainly added to that". Also, after a lot of research about climate change Amanda has become uncomfortable continuing to support the over production of fashion and the lack of responsibility shown by many in this field. So early 2024 the decision was made to call it a day. It was time to quit the industry. However, her loyal customer following weren't ready to let her do that yet.
So a compromise was found.
In an effort to address her work life balance whilst following a more sustainable path the latest incarnation of Maya Maya was created.
During 2024 Maya Maya will transition to a member only based boutique.
Amanda and her team will work on a part time basis and Maya Maya will transition to a more responsible, sustainable version of itself supporting brands that have sustainable ethics.
The future
Amanda's efforts will be to continue to support her loyal customers in the Maya Maya community by providing the fun place to visit that its always been. The business will be run on very much a less is more basis. Her aim is to become B Corp certified and to educate her customers on the importance of sustainability and circularity going forward.
