Campbeltown lingerie shop owner, Clare Mead, is donating 10% of all bra sales to Breast Cancer Care this October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I decided to catch up with Clare to have a bit of a chat about her fundraising efforts and her business, Raspberry Pink.
So, tell us about the fundraising…
Fundraising for Breast Cancer Care seemed like an obvious choice for a bra shop! I did some fundraising during Breast Cancer Awareness Month last year and raised about £200 but that was not long after the shop opened so I’m hoping to double that this year.
How can people get involved?
Buy a bra! I’m donating 10% of all bra sales in October to Breast Cancer Care. We cater for all shapes, sizes and age groups and stock an extensive range from basic t-shirt, sports, soft cup, nursing and masectomy bras so there’s something to suit everyone.
I’ve also got some fun in-store fundraising – Guess the Name of the Pug for the chance to win a bottle of Kintyre Pink Gin (kindly donated by Beinn An Tuirc distillers), Take a selfie with our #wearitpink props or buy some locally produced tablet.
Tell us a bit about yourself and Raspberry Pink
I have been in the retail business for over 30 years. It all started in a little independent ladies fashion store as a Youth Training Scheme Apprentice. After training and a Diploma in Business Studies I went to work for British Home Stores. There I became Lingerie Department Manager and entered the world of bra fitting. I completed my training and spent over 10 years with them. Coming to Campbeltown in 2008 I did a couple of different jobs before buying ZENAS, ladies fashion shop in the town in August 2016. After looking at which way to take the business forward it seemed an obviously choice. With my knowledge in the sector and lack of choice of lingerie for local ladies Raspberry Pink was born.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about my job is when a lady comes in for bra fitting and walks out feeling on top of the world. There is nothing like a good, well fitting bra to give a woman confidence and a better silhouette. Customer service is very important in my line of business. I hope every customer that walks into my shop comes out feeling that they have been treated special and received that personal touch.
Clare isn’t the only local business woman doing her bit during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Numero Dix Hair Salon owner, Kerry Dickson, is hosting a fundraising event for Breast Cancer Now in the salon on the 19th and 20th of October with a raffle, home baking and #wearitpink theme.
Well done ladies – hope the fundraising goes well for both of you!
