Loveone: Eighteen years of gifts, grit and community spirit

What started as an interior design venture in 2007 has evolved into something far more meaningful: a carefully curated haven for unique gifts that has become an integral part of Ipswich's retail landscape for nearly 18 years.

From council offices to creative passion

Cathy's path to retail was far from conventional. After university, she worked as an Environmental Health officer in East London and Ipswich before leaving local government to juggle childcare with retraining as an interior designer.

"Following several life-changing moments – the death of my mother and the birth of my two children within a 4-year period – I decided to reassess my future and follow my passion for art and design," Cathy explains. It was this reassessment that led her to open her first high street shop in the early 2000s.

But timing, as they say, is everything.

Sink or swim

"The biggest obstacle was the 2008 financial crisis!" Cathy recalls. "Within a year of opening the shop, the bank crisis hit – the world pretty much stopped buying homeware, so it was a sink or swim moment."

Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Faced with a business model that no longer worked, Cathy made a pivotal decision. "I had to change my product offer, radically rethink things and become a gift shop. Between 2008 and 2012 were tough – nearly lost the business several times!"

That dramatic pivot proved to be Loveone's salvation. The shop transformed into what Cathy describes as "a quirky one-stop shop for gifts," where customers can get help, if needed, selecting a present, a card, and have it gift–wrapped all in one place.

Building community connections

Cathy's vision extends far beyond the four walls of her shop. In 2010, she co–founded the Saints Street Markets, partnering with I Make Fun Stuff, a craft collective, to bring outdoor markets to St Peter's Street.

Sophie DebenhamIpswich.co.uk

"The market brought much-needed footfall and attention to our high street as many businesses were recovering from the financial crisis," she explains. The markets, which run three times a year, host at least 30 local craft and artisan stalls alongside street food vendors, embodying a "shop local" message that has become increasingly significant.

The success of these markets earned recognition when the Saints area was shortlisted in the top five for the local centre category in the Great British High Street Competition 2015 – one of Cathy's proudest achievements.

A life of many hats

Balancing a retail business with numerous community commitments requires what Cathy calls "constant juggling, understanding and supportive family and friends." Beyond Loveone, she's involved with the Saints street markets, serves as a trustee at New Wolsey Theatre, supports Ipswich Book Festival, and has spent the last two years as a Labour local councillor.

Sophie DebenhamIpswich.co.uk

"I love it all – I like being busy and I love my community and Ipswich," she says. "It's a privilege to be part of the Saints community and to advocate for small business and the importance of community and collaboration to the town."

This community focus earned national recognition in 2022 when Cathy was named in the Small Business Britain Top 100 entrepreneur awards, celebrating the power of women who run businesses across the UK.

Looking ahead

Despite the current challenges facing high street retailers, Cathy remains optimistic about Loveone's future. Her plans include redecorating the shop's first floor and introducing a pop–up space and gallery area – an idea she has experimented with before.

"Business very much as usual – life on the high street is challenging, but we will deliver three street markets this year," she says, with typical determination.

She also recently made the finals of the Retas, an industry award that recognises the contribution that retailers both large and small, make to the success of the greeting card industry. Loveone has been nominated for the best independent greeting card retailer in the East.

Sophie DebenhamIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line

Cathy's journey from having "only a 5-year plan and no retail experience" to celebrating nearly 18 years on the high street proves that passion, adaptability, and community spirit can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects the philosophy that has guided her own journey: "Don't be scared of changing lanes and failure, follow a passion but be prepared for hard work and hard knocks – it might just work out."

For those seeking unique gifts with a personal touch, visit Loveone on St Peter's Street or browse online at www.loveone.co.uk. The next Saints Street Market takes place on Sunday, 29 June 2025.