Claire and Tracey are masters at plate spinning – as long as they’re vintage of course! The pair tell us how their successful business Wight Vintage keeps them busy and enjoying the Island…

Claire (left) Tracey (right)

How they started…
Tracey and I have both dreamed of starting our own business and had often thought of opening a tea room. We were looking for opportunities to use our skills that we had gained so by the end of 2011 Wight Vintage was born to make the most of our event planning, catering and retail experience.

It was originally going to be just event and wedding planning but our love of china and cakes soon took over and our bespoke cake stands led the way. Our traditional catering services have now become very popular. We cook as much as possible from scratch and use local produce where possible.

Highlights so far…
Every wedding or party we are involved in is a highlight and we love to make the event run as smooth as possible. It’s always great to get good feedback and it makes all the hard work worthwhile when you know you have helped make that celebration a success.

The vintage scene on the Island…
The Island has a great vintage theme without even trying as it has so many fantastic traditional businesses and an image of a land that time forgot. As with most fashions the Island takes its time to catch up with the mainland but vintage style is very popular and some great new businesses have started up to give everyone the chance to embrace the style or relive an era they enjoyed the first time around.

Photography Abigail Steed

How they create their unique
vintage stands…
We up-cycle unloved china and glass to create beautiful bespoke cake stands that will complement any room in your home.

We don’t just put any old plates together; it can take months of searching for the right shape, colour and style to go with other plates to create the right look. Then we have to pray it doesn’t break whilst drilling!

It has taken a lot of practice and trying out of different drills but I can put a hole in pretty much anything now! There are types of china that are much harder to drill than others and some that can be too soft. Some types of glass shatter too easily so we have to be careful and choose the right types.

The stands can be used for many things like keeping jewellery on, paper clips etc. on your desk, soaps and bath accessories, savoury items such as cheese, biscuits and sandwiches look great on them as well as all kinds of chocolates, biscuits and cakes.

We create them in all colours, styles and shapes so there is bound to be one that will be perfect for your home or event. You can also bring your own plates to us to create your own stand with special family china or plates that will match your décor. Tea cup candles and afternoon tea gift boxes are also available.

Photo : : P Squared Photograph

A typical day…

Each day is different and I run other events as well as the functions and parties that I do with Wight Vintage but a typical Wight Vintage day involves replying to queries, catching up on paperwork. Updating face book and our website with new details and pictures. Sorting out returned equipment.

Going through our china stocks and putting new pieces together to create bespoke tea sets and new cake stand designs for our retail outlets.
Making cakes or tea party orders and deliveries of orders or stock. We usually have a consultation with couple looking to get married or go and view china for sale, so always on the go!

Photography Abigail Steed

Seaside or country?
I’m not really a fan of the water so definitely a country girl. Much prefer getting muddy to getting wet.

A favourite magazine or blog…
Vintage Life – any bridal or home styling magazine.

Advice for those starting out…
Persevere it takes a while to get recognised and a lot of hard work and late nights.

Biggest help…
Getting to know other small businesses that complement what you do and working together to promote your products.

Hot tips for visiting the Island…
Make sure you get out and see some of the Island by foot or by bike. Don’t just drive everywhere as you will miss some amazing things. And if you have used up some energy you will deserve tea and cake in the afternoon from one of the many lovely tea rooms. We organise some fantastic tea party walks as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festivals in May and October so join us for a walk in the gorgeous back of the Wight countryside and then enjoy a lovely afternoon tea at our farm afterwards.

www.wightvintage.co.uk

Email : hello@ wightvintage.co.uk
www.facebook.com/wightvintage
Twitter: China Chick Claire @WightVintage
Tracey: 07590 612785 or Claire: 07855 022429