Viva Vintage clothing and accessories business launched by Magdalen entrepreneur

Tina Collins has amassed a collection of clothes and accessories from twentieth century eras which she sells through her business Viva Vintage.

She set up last year having initially joined the First Steps to Start Up programme offered through Nwes, where she was able to get useful advice and guidance on how to begin her enterprise.

Since last August she has been selling items online as well as at markets and fairs.

She said: "This is something which I have always wanted to do. I have huge amount of items which I have collected covering many decades, mostly from the 40s to the 70s.

"The 60s is my favourite fashion period and I have lots of men's and women's clothes from that era including dresses, shirts and blouses. There is so much vintage wear which fits perfectly with fashion of today."

She also has a broad range of accessories, including handbags, shoes, hats and jewellery, as well as household items such as bedspreads.

"I really believe that things from the past bring back lovely memories," said Tina, who formerly managed nurseries and pre-schools for 13 years, until she was made redundant.

"For me, this business is all about sustainability too and it concerns me that so much goes into landfill."

She sources all her stock locally, visiting charity shops, jumble sales and 'kilo sales' in Norwich and Cambridge. She advertises her goods on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy and also regularly takes a stall to Ely market.

In the year ahead she is looking forward to becoming a regular at more fairs around the local area.

She is also pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to make donations of items to Viva Vintage. Tina can be contacted by phone on 07733020783 or send an email to tinamain26@gmail.com