A BRYL BOUTIQUE

Where do you live?
I have lived in Barry all of my life. My home at Porth-y-Castell was built in the 1920’s and was once owned by Major Edgar Jones. The Major was awarded an OBE and the Freedom of the Town. His son worked for Lloyd George and was killed by Chinese bandits, even though his family sent the ransom money!

Who do you live with?
My husband, Ken and three children Natasha, 28, Lousha, 25
and Lewis, 23.

Where did you go to school?
Barry High Street girls school.

Have you always worked in retail?
Yes, prior to owning my own shops, I managed retail shops in Cardiff.

When did you open?
I used to own a children’s designer wear shop in High Street called BB’s and have always had a love of fashion. After a break from BB’s, I opened Bryl’s Boutique selling contemporary womenswear, bags and jewellery.

Why did you choose High Street?
I missed the buzz of owning my own shop and seeing my regular customers on a daily basis. As I feel passionate about Barry it was an obvious choice. I wouldn't have wanted to open anywhere else.

Who are your customers?
They come from all over the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and beyond. They are looking for designer labels that are both wearable and affordable. At Bryl’s Boutique they can find the perfect outfit for that casual look or something for the evening.

What brands do you stock?
I have an amazing range of clothing from French Connection, Nougat, Great Plains, Sticky Fingers, Sandwich, Chilli Pepper and Religion. We have sizes ranging from 8 to 18. I have regular deliveries which give women the perfect excuse to keep popping in!

How do you know what to stock?
When you love fashion as I do, it’s not difficult to look out for new designers and new collections! When something catches my eye, I immediately know that it will be right.

What else do you sell?
We have a great range of bags from Nougat, Suzy Smith and French Connection. Nothing completes a great outfit better than an amazing piece of jewellery and we have beautiful pieces in silver and semi precious stones by local deisgner Melinda Mulcahy.

What’s special about your business?
I let customers browse in their own time but give honest advice when needed.

Do you always look for a challenge?
I’m always willing to take on board any new challenges that come my way.

Do you daughters want to go into the fashion industry?
Not really, although they have a love of fashion. I’m very proud of my daughters. One is a solicitor and the other is in recruitment. They do enjoy helping me out in the boutique whenever they can.

What’s your favourite thing about Cardiff?
It’s my favourite city - it’s small, compact and friendly and has a great variety of shops and restaurants.

How do you like to relax?
I like nothing more than having a good meal with friends.

What’s your favourite food and place to eat it?
Definitely fish at Gilby’s.

If you weren’t selling fashion, what would you be doing?
I’d always be drawn to fashion.

Do you have any secret talents?
I’d like to think that I’m a good cook. I’m passionate about how the table is laid, how the food looks on the plate and that there’s a good mix of colours. It must be the creative side of me.

Favourite way to spend Sunday?
Relaxing with my family.

All my money goes on...
My children.

The most recent item I bought for my home was...
A new kitchen.

My philisophy is...
Enjoy it!

The best lesson that I have learned in life is…
Not to judge people on first impressions.

Autumn is just around the corner, what are the current trends?
It’s all about the cinched waist, the focus on the shoulder, the belt, the big bag and the vertigo-inducing shoes, with colour playing a very important role.

The colours of the season are purple in all its hues, black and white stripes and neons of impossibly loud oranges, yellows, greens, blues and also pinks.



“When you love fashion as I do, it’s not difficult to look out for new designers and new collections!”