What brands does The Boutique in Lavenham sell? 

As Pom Poms and Pearls, her pop-up fashion shops around Suffolk built up quite a following.   

Then came the pandemic and the craft markets where she would set up her stall had to go on pause. 

While Rachael had a website for a while, it was the face-to-face interaction with her customers which she loved – and while not being able to sell at markets in person she started thinking about new directions she could take. 

But as life slowly returned to normal, she was asked to do a couple of pop-ups – and at one of them, she was asked if she was interested in having her own shop as a premises in Lavenham had become available. 

She went to look round – and was instantly smitten  

“I love the quirkiness – it’s a very old building, very unique, it’s got lots and lots of character” she says. “It’s got a lovely feel to it, Lavenham’s such a lovely place – I thought why not? I didn’t want to be five years down the line and thinking I wish I’d done that.” 

Called simply The Boutique, Rachael’s fashion, gift and lifestyle store opened its doors just in time for Christmas. 

Her pop-ups focused mainly on the size-free clothing brand Made In Italy - her customers loved their chic separates - and she’s stocking it at The Boutique alongside Great Plains and Rino and Pelle.  

There is also vintage-inspired nightwear by Powell Craft – their pyjamas are almost too good to only be worn indoors. 

“While you can spend lots of money on clothes, you can also spend an affordable amount and still look really good,” she says. “People feel happy and feel really good when they’ve found something that they love that’s the right price – and I love being involved in that.  

“One of my really good friends doesn’t spend a lot of money on clothes and she looks like a supermodel, she always looks wonderful, and then other people spend a lot of money on clothes and equally look wonderful, but really it’s just about personal choice and feeling good in what you’re wearing.”  

Rachael, who worked in sales in London for 14 years before leaving to have children, loves to support local brands where she can.  

She’s stocking handmade candles by Suffolk-based Tranquil Flame, cards, hand-painted oyster shells and canvases by county artist Nicola Warner, and jewellery by Norfolk-based Lisa Angel. 

Other brands include Madame Treacle greetings cards and jewellery by Little Nell and Big Metal London.   

The Boutique is set out over two floors. The previous occupier of the premises was also a retail business, so they haven’t had to do a full refurbishment – but have put their own stamp on it. 

“We’ve changed a few colours here and there and obviously putting our belongings in it makes it ours.”  

Rachael has one member of staff and they strive to make The Boutique a welcoming place. 

“For me, I guess, this shop is where I can be creative, helping people with their outfits.  

“It’s so sweet, a lady came in before Christmas and she said she was feeling a bit down and having a rubbish day and she needed something to wear that evening and we were looking around,” she says. 

Rachael suggested that the customer tried on a sequinned top. 

“She said ‘no, sequins never’ – but she tried it on, stood in front of the mirror and said ‘wow’ at herself. It was so lovely to see.”  

The Boutique is in Water Street, Lavenham. See theboutiquelavenham.com and follow on Instagram @theboutiquelavenham