A TRAVEL-LOVER decided to set up her own Aladdin’s cave of wonders after a memorable trip to India.

Wendy Hindley started selling handmade Fairtrade gifts and goods at markets and fairs around the county in 2013 before finding a permanent space above a hair salon in 2019.

After moving into the rented space in Cricklade High Street last September, she enjoyed arranging her carefully-curated mixture of cushions, throws, bags, lanterns, rugs, jewellery, clothes and furniture in a way which has wowed customers.

The Adver spoke to her as part of our campaign to support small businesses in the Swindon area during lockdown and ahead of Christmas.

She said: “I wanted to create a colourful and relaxed atmosphere, it’s unusual and quirky. People have called it an Aladdin’s cave and a hidden gem.

“I have a window overlooking the high street to show off what I sell and draw people in but I still get customers saying they didn’t realise the shop was here, it’s hard to get the word out.

“Obviously, the two lockdowns have affected business and the current one is especially difficult with Christmas coming up.”

The shop reopened in September and it took a few weeks before Wendy started to notice people coming back.

Things were finally starting to pick up and she was seeing a steady of flow of regular and new customers before this month’s lockdown killed the momentum.

Wendy has an Indico website and Facebook and Instagram pages all up and running with a selection of stock available to order but she relies on passing trade to keep going.

She hopes that the current lockdown is not extended so that she still has a chance to make a few in-person sales before Christmas.

Wendy added: “It’s difficult for everyone right now but especially small businesses.

"The salon owner Hayley Goggin has been really good to me so the rent is manageable but I would like to start making a profit.

“This all began when I went to India for the first time a few years ago and fell in love with it.

"While I was there I did a lot of shopping and a friend suggested I set up a business.

“I source all the products and run everything myself and it took a while to get started but it’s built up nicely and I have a little bit of everything now and like to add new items to keep it interesting.

“It’s hard work because I do everything myself but I’m passionate about this because I love the textiles and the colours and being surrounded by all of it.

“I’ve met customers with similar interests and it’s nice having a chat and find out about their love of travel and textiles.

“One good thing about lockdown is that people are more interested in supporting small business by buying Christmas gifts locally.”

For more information, visit Indico