Stylish Samantha Bushell has fashion running through her veins. She’s from a fashionista family with her grandparents and father once being well known manufacturers and retailers of ladies’ dresses in London.
Growing up in the fashion family firm, Samantha always had a sharp eye for design and knack of knowing what would sell in the world’s most prestigious department stores and unique fashion boutiques.
It was this en vogue streak that led Samantha to London’s most famous shopping destination – Bond Street – where she worked with Nicole Fahri who had a global reputation for subtle detailing and timeless womenswear designs.
“It’s something I’ve always loved… finding those really affordable but quality items. Those stand out key pieces that don’t cost an arm and leg but are still wonderfully made.”
It’s a philosophy Samantha has brought with her to her new boutique in Solihull, her second womenswear store in the West Midlands (the other is in Harborne).
Looking around Sophie Bea, the new store on Drury Lane and which is named after her daughter, it’s clear Samantha does have an eye for finding really unique and quality pieces with very reasonable price tags.
“The wonderful thing about fashion nowadays is you really can mix and match cheaper items with your more expensive things. I spend a lot of time searching out those affordable, stylish pieces that are really well made and suit everyone. I always buy as if I’m buying for my family. I try and cater for everyone.”
And it soon becomes clear Samantha really does cater for everyone as while we are there a 94-year-old shopper proudly tells us her age after she purchases the most beautiful chic coat.
After the fashionable nonagenarian leaves, Samantha says:
“With the right design and detailing in good fabrics, clothes can be truly timeless. Although most of our customers are between say 25 and 70, we do have elder ladies coming in too. Age is not a measurement of fashion and didn’t she look fabulous?”
She sure did.
On why Samantha chose Solihull in which to launch her new boutique, Samantha says:
“I really love Solihull… it feels like a village. It’s so friendly and everyone seems to know everyone. Also people here seem to love fashion. The ladies certainly know how to dress. I’ve already met so many stylish Silhillians.
“Now life’s getting more back to normal, it’s the right time to open too. We all need some new outfits to go out in don’t we? And even if you don’t, pop in and have a coffee with us at Sophie Bea anyway as I’m so looking forward to getting to know more of the ladies of Solihull.”
Sophie Bea is an Independent clothing boutique for women at 14 Drury Lane, Solihull B91 3BG.
Follow Sophie Bea on Facebook and Instagram at www.SophieBea.co.uk
