Melluna is one of a number of independent retailers to grace the streets of North Tyneside.
Based on Park View in Whitley Bay, Melanie Shorey opened Melluna’s doors in October 2019 and talks about being an independent retailer, her love of community and her passion for her business.
About Melluna
Melanie set up her business as a result of her passion for relaxation and meditative techniques. Her love of candles and incense, alternative healing therapies and crystals spurred her on to create a business that could spread the same happiness she received from her passion to a wider circle of people – her growing customer base.
“I have always been fascinated by alternative healing therapies,” she explains. “I adore crystals – they’re all over my house, in my bag, in my back pockets. I never leave the house without them.
“Because I’ve received so much happiness and comfort from my crystals, incense and oils, I was inspired to open Melluna to share the knowledge and techniques I’d learned myself. Visitors to my shop will find products I’ve created to help mind, body and soul. I sell healing crystals, essential oils and many varieties of incense.”
Alongside the crystals and incense, Melanie also stocks alternative children’s clothes, gothic gift items, herbal teas and cruelty-free skincare and make up.
Celebrating Independent Retailer Month
During the Coronavirus crisis, the non-essential retail sector has been hit particularly hard by the global pandemic. Independent Retailer Month aims to promote the importance of independents on every high street and the roles they play in their local communities.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the independent retailer community here in Whitley Bay,” continued Melanie. “The community in the town, and in the district as a whole, is fantastic. We all support one another and I truly believe that we have helped keep each other going through the past 18 months.
“While I’m not doing anything specific to celebrate Independent Retailer Month, I’m delighted to be a part of the community and support my fellow retailers.
“Being an independent retailer means being completely responsible for my own business. I started my business from the ground up and I’m so proud of that. I’m responsible for assessing all the needs of the business including staff, marketing, merchandising, sales, accounts… the list goes on. But I wouldn’t change it. I love being a business owner.”
Support from the North Tyneside Business Forum
Melanie joined the North Tyneside Business Forum when the global pandemic first hit the UK in early 2020. Since then, she’s received a great deal of support from the team.
“I joined the Forum when the first lockdown hit and I had to shut my shop,” she explains. “In the panic of the early days it was really confusing about what would happen to small businesses and what we could and couldn’t do. The North Tyneside Business Forum provided so much advice and support on a weekly basis and made me feel less tense about the future of my business and the support I’d receive from the Government.
“I love North Tyneside. Whitley Bay is such a great place for myself and my family to live. There are so many things to do right on our doorstep. It’s also the perfect place for my business to thrive. I love my hometown and I love my business – perfect!”
If you’d like to know more about becoming a member of the North Tyneside Business Forum or the support on offer, visit our website or follow us on social media.
