“I cut my husband’s Pompadour-style hair with the dog grooming clippers and didn’t mess it up! We were both shook.” Rami, Owner of Coco Bridal Boutique on the strangest thing that’s happened during lockdown
Say HELLO to Coco Bridal Boutique, a fresh, inspiringly cool new bridal store founded by Rami that recently opened (pre-lockdown) in the beating heart of Nottingham, UK. Having curated “a killer collection of bridalwear from talented, independent British designers” (with exclusive stockist status) this is not your average East Midlands bridal boutique. Style and designer-wise, as Rami herself puts it, Coco Bridal Boutique is “zero puffy ballgowns” and ALL about the relaxed, free-spirited bridal vibe. Stocking the likes of Nikeen Asar, Rolling in Roses and Amy Mair Couture (not to mention a host of achingly cool accessory brands, hello Glorious by Heidi), this is a boutique you’ll want to add to your must-visit list STAT. I caught up with Rami to get the lowdown on her lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Anxious. Unsure. Worried.”
After: “Hopeful. Grateful. Rested.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“Life has definitely slowed down! Before lockdown, I would get up at 6am and be rushing around with the morning routine, which involved feeding my many pets and glamming up for the day. I’d normally spend the day running errands and never quite having enough hours!
Now, I’m getting up a little later and glamming up less. The errands are still on the agenda but I’m not rushing around, which is quite nice. I feel like I’m savouring moments during the day rather than just allowing them to pass me by in all the rush.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“My boutique hadn’t long opened before the lockdown forced closure, which was truly heartbreaking. But, I’ve been determined not to let the pandemic collapse my business before it’s even opened properly!
The kindness and loyalty of the brides that I met before lockdown has really kept my spirits high. As have the messages from new clients that are looking forward to visiting the boutique after lockdown. More of that please!”
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “Chalk Tailors – my seamstressing secret weapon!”
No.2 “The Beeston Cobbler – for good old fashioned customer service and craftmanship.”
No.3 “Fox Talbots – a stylish coffee shop just around the corner from my boutique that I didn’t have the chance to visit pre-lockdown.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“I’ve rediscovered Jaffa Cakes during lockdown. Full moon, half moon, total eclipse!”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“Self-care. Nothing beats spending some time on beautifying yourself.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Flour. Can’t find it anywhere and all I want to do is bake my signature gluttonous Victoria Sponge just one time!”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“I cut my husband’s Pompadour-style hair with the dog grooming clippers and didn’t mess it up! We were both shook.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“Facetime for sure. Although shouts to WhatsApp too!”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not being able to just nip out for a coffee or a cheeky McDonald’s whenever I want. I so took that for granted but never again!”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Hanging out with my dog Biscuit. He’s so happy to have us around more and I’m loving his funny little habits that I used to miss when I was rushing around all day.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My lovely mum.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“The kind messages from my designers who have been checking in to make sure I’m doing ok. Love you guys!”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“I’ve been having some exciting conversations with designers BTS about future collaborations. There are also plans afoot for photoshoots, trunk shows and additional services for clients that I’m aiming to put in place later in the year. It’s so lovely to have something to look forward to and to support my fellow indie businesses during this tricky time.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “The NHS. My mum was an NHS nurse for 40 years, so I’ve always been close to the amazing work that they do. But this crisis has really made me grateful for the sacrifices all NHS workers have made to keep us well.”
No.2 “Living in the countryside. I’m so lucky to hear uninterrupted bird song all day, have ready access to greenery and horses around the corner that I can visit for a cuddle (not mine but they are my friends!). I’d forgotten how important these small things are.”
No.3 “My mad as hell family. They’re all crackers but I wouldn’t be without them!”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Nando’s. It’s my spiritual home!”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Ok, so I must be the only person on the planet who doesn’t have Netflix! I’m a sucker for a crime drama and anything recommended by Walter Presents is always worth a watch. I also love POSE for some glitz and disco!”
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
“I just finished reading The subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson which is a revelation for modern life. I’ve started a book about zen mindfulness by Shunryu Suzuki that is a bit deep but I’m sticking with it!”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“A gin & tonic for sure. It never fails to chill me out.”
Want to discover more about Coco Bridal Boutique? Click here.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite brands and designers? Click here.
