Here at Quine, we’re passionate about bringing to light the incredible stories of female entrepreneurs shaping Scotland’s diverse business landscape. In this feature, we focus on the visionaries and trailblazers who’ve transformed their passion for fashion into thriving businesses.
Follow their journeys, delve into their stories, and remember that by supporting these businesses, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re championing years of hard work and sheer determination.
Frida & Coco
Louise Lawn’s remarkable journey from art teacher to fashion entrepreneur with Frida & Coco is a testament to her boundless love for creativity and style. Established in 2019 on High Street, this clothing boutique has swiftly evolved into a haven for fashion enthusiasts in search of handpicked vintage, pre-loved, designer, and costume pieces. Louise’s keen eye for unique and eclectic fashion sets Frida & Coco apart, making it a favourite spot for those desiring a touch of individuality in their wardrobes.
Frida and Coco’s appeal extends beyond its chic storefront. The boutique has garnered attention from movie and television productions filming in Glasgow, becoming a preferred choice for costume departments. The shop is a treasure trove for those seeking something fabulous and unique to wear. Louise envisions the shopping experience akin to stumbling into a woman’s dressing room, fostering a community vibe and even earning the affectionate nickname of ‘The Little Drag Queen Shop.’
Since its inception, Frida & Coco has not only dressed performers, radio hosts, and TV presenters across Glasgow but has also supplied items to film and TV costume departments, including notable productions like Indiana Jones and the BBC’s Everything I Know About Love.
Visit Frida & Coco at 262 High Street, Glasgow.
ElevenTwentySix
ElevenTwentySix is a testament to the dream career that can be built by thinking outside the box. Founded in 2020 by best friends Kirsty Irvine and Carolyn Knox, the business offers personal shopping and closet cleansing services for Glasgow’s most fashionable residents.
Kirsty and Carolyn’s journey began while working at Topshop’s personal shopping department, where they discovered their shared passion and talent for fashion. Drawing from their skills and experience, they embarked on the entrepreneurial path, creating a unique and personalised service for their clients. The duo has also hosted events and collaborated with brands such as Sterling Home.
ElevenTwentySix is a brilliant example of how creativity and innovation can lead to success in the fashion industry. By staying true to their vision, Kirsty and Carolyn have carved out a niche for themselves in Glasgow’s fashion landscape.
Visit @eleventwentysix__ on Instagram.
Amaryllis Boutique
Lynn Gilfillan’s Amaryllis West End is a sustainable fashion boutique that offers hand-curated clothing, accessories, and jewellery from ethical and eco-friendly brands worldwide. Since 2019, Amaryllis West End has been helping customers find the perfect outfit with its seasonal collections.
Prior to opening her Glasgow store, Lynn had been running a store in Helensburgh since 2012. The boutique curates clothing, accessories, and jewelry from ethical and eco-friendly brands such as Mos Mosh, STELLA NOVA, D.A.T.E Sneakers, Sancia, Baum und Pferdgarten, Celia B, and more.
The boutique’s mission is to help customers find the perfect outfit for any occasion, with collections that are updated every season, ensuring a cross-brand complementarity. Lynn’s dedication to sustainability and fashion has made Amaryllis West End a popular destination for fashion lovers in Glasgow.
Visit Amaryllis West End at 687 Great Western Rd, Glasgow or head to amarylliswestend.com.
Biscuit Clothing
Amanda Mitchell’s Biscuit Clothing, launched in 2012, is a store offering a curated selection of brands for a unique and personal shopping experience. With locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Biscuit Clothing remains a destination for fashion enthusiasts.
This clothing store offers a carefully curated selection of brands, including American Vintage, Maison Scotch, and Selected Femme. Amanda’s goal was to provide customers with a unique and personal shopping experience, and Biscuit Clothing has successfully achieved that.
The store, with locations in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, has become a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking quality and curated fashion pieces. Amanda’s keen eye for style and dedication to offering a diverse and personalised shopping experience have contributed to Biscuit Clothing’s success in the competitive fashion retail landscape.
Visit Biscuit Clothing at 135 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow or head to biscuit.clothing for more information.
Rip It Up Vintage
A hidden gem in Glasgow, Rip It Up Vintage was started by Kirsty, a passionate and creative entrepreneur with a love for second-hand clothes and their stories. Kirsty began her journey as a teenager, scouring charity shops for unique and quirky pieces that she would sell online or at local markets. She then studied fashion textiles at college and moved to London to work for a big vintage company, where she gained valuable experience in the industry. However, she missed her home country and decided to move back to Scotland, settling in Glasgow, a city that she had fond memories of visiting for gigs and events.
There, she opened her own stall in The Barras, a famous market that attracts visitors from all over the world. She soon expanded her business and moved to a bigger unit, where she now sells a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware, all featuring her signature colourful and eclectic style.
Kirsty is one of the many female-owned businesses in Glasgow that showcase the city’s vibrant and diverse culture, and she hopes to inspire others with her passion and vision. Rip It Up Vintage is a place where you can find treasures from the past, and where every item has a story to tell.
Visit Rip It Up Vintage at 6 Kent Street, Barrowlands, Glasgow.
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