We sent our Partner Agent for Banbury, James Deegan, to catch up with Debs, owner of Doodledash Interiors; a family run, independent business located on Parsons Street, Banbury.
“Doodledash started as a hobby business back in 2012 when I started upcycling vintage furniture items for sale…by 2015 it had grown to the point where I resigned my part-time job and Doodledash became my full time work.”
Debs runs the business with her husband, Martin, and they have recently been joined by their daughter, Erin.
The business has been a Frenchic Chalk Paint stockist since 2015, a decision that became “the rocket fuel” to enable Debs to get creative. “We added upcycling and creative workshops to our offering too.”
In 2017 the opportunity arose for Doodledash to have their own bricks and mortar shop in Banbury Old Town, and they decided to take the plunge.
“We are now approaching our 4th anniversary on Parsons Street in the Banbury Old Town area, and the shop has slowly evolved over that time, with a fabulous creative community formed around it.”
The wares at Doodledash are ever changing, and Debs goes above and beyond to source special items she knows her customers will love.
“We try to continually offer something different to our customers in Banbury, sourcing wholesale and vintage products from a wide variety of suppliers, several who are local, and only buying in small quantities so that the stock is constantly changing.”
“Bespoke furniture is a staple, alongside Frenchic Paint and other creative upcycling products that can’t be bought elsewhere locally. Home décor, soft furnishings, candles, one of a kind crafts; we have a very eclectic mix here and if it’s a one off piece that you love then you need to get it when you see it as once it’s gone, it’s gone!”
When the pandemic hit, Team Doodledash turned their focus to their website, offering all the creative products and workshops online whilst growing the lifestyle and homeware elements too.
“Upcycling was a huge part of the lockdowns as people were stuck at home and wanted things to do and it was so lovely to hear that our little ‘how to’ videos and social media posts helped them get through it, it was what got us through it too!”
“The best thing about having a shop is the contact you have with customers; hearing their stories, being part of the community and I’m happy to say that many have become friends.”
“Bricks and mortar shops face a huge challenge post pandemic. Things may never be the same again, but the high street is not dying, it’s evolving and hopefully Doodledash can evolve with it!”
