19/12/2023
Dear Friends, Family and Loyal Supporters, it is with huge sadness I announce the closure of Hunky Dory.
I set up Hunky Dory with the desire to create something special, a much loved place of happiness for children and adults alike. I think I achieved that, with the help of my amazing team.
Anyone who has done it knows, running a business is a white-knuckle ride. I signed the lease on the Barn right as the war in Ukraine began, and we opened our doors just as the biggest global financial crisis since World War Two hit our pockets. To top it off, energy prices have been incredible and inflation means every food item we buy has risen in cost exponentially. If our 5 star reviews could pay the bills we'd be billionaires by now, but sadly it doesn't work that way.
Although it's been challenging, at times it's been truly wonderful and an utter joy getting to know families that visit, several of whom I'm lucky to regard as friends.
I have been offered a brilliant opportunity within teaching (my original life) and this, coupled with the constant stresses of business ownership in this climate, has driven my decision to close. Please believe I did everything I could to keep Hunky Dory alive. I thought I'd secured a buyer, only for them to pull out on the day of exchange, leaving me thousands of pounds out of pocket in legal fees and emotionally battered by the experience. I contacted everyone I could think of to take it on and received an offer from a local provider, only for my hopes to be dashed yet again. Ultimately, I just don't think I could take being messed around again and I owe it to my amazing family to move on and put them first as they've sacrificed so much for me already.
It was amazing to end on a high, our Hunky Dory journey culminating in our joyful Father Christmas weekend. While at times I wanted to tell everyone we were leaving, I didn't want to guilt people into visiting us, make the children sad or suck the joy out of our Santa events. Self-preservation also played a part as I didn't know how I was going to keep it together saying goodbye.
It's been a privilege serving you on our High Street, a place that can become a wonderful hive of activity with your love and support. Please don't be strangers, if you see me about do come and say Hi and tell me your news- I really will miss you all! Finally, I'd like to end by thanking my wonderful team who have made me smile through it all - I simply couldn't have asked for more.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. Always choose happy.
Much love,
Luci
