Ruby Blaken
Malmesbury based mum of three, Ruby Blaken is opening her first shop, three years after launching her preloved clothing business online.
Second Snuggle will open its doors for the first time on Saturday 13th April between 10am-3pm. Located in the historic town of Malmesbury, the shop is just off the high street, opposite Malmesbury Abbey. Specialising in preloved & sustainably new clothing and play catering from newborns up until sixteen-year-olds as well as maternity. Not just a shop but a place in town to come and nurse baby, change a nappy, have a chat or find some support. The shop will be having a giveaway and some opening day offers.
“I’ve seen lots of local businesses recently leave the high street and it’s so sad. I’ve always dreamt of opening my own physical shop but always considered it out of my grasp, as start-up costs can be staggering. When I heard about the Vibrant Wiltshire grant, I thought this could be my opportunity!” Comments Ruby.
Vibrant Wiltshire Vacant Units Grant is a Wiltshire Council initiative developed to improve the vibrancy of Wiltshire’s town centres. The plan aims to put empty commercial properties back into use by supporting new businesses with grants up to £10,000. It’s hoped the grants will but businesses back on the map, boost footfall, create new jobs and enhance the sustainability of businesses.
Since launching Second Snuggle and The Preloved Company in 2021, Ruby has rescued more than 18,000 pieces of clothing from land fill and helped rehome clothes by opening a community wardrobe. Ruby was among 100 female entrepreneurs from across the country namechecked in the f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign in 2023, which celebrates the achievements of women running businesses in the UK. She has been a Muddy Stiletto Award Finalist two years running and has won Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday Award.
