How does a party shop start?
Well, this shop in particular was somebody else’s dream, I didn’t steal it honestly!
I just got caught up in the ride and simply fell in love.
The previous long term owner Inge opened the The Party Company at the top of Godalming High Street in Surrey over 15 years ago. After having a thriving online business, she decided a shop was the next step. As soon as the doors opened for the first time, I walked in and fell in love. Any excuse for a balloon or a party bag and I was there!
After 6 months of me asking, and her other member of staff having an unfortunate allergic reaction to latex I was in!
I have a history in retail and customer service, so adding balloons and all things party just added that extra bounce to my CV!
I was sent on my Fundamentals course with Qualatex balloons to learn all things inflation and design. I did this at the same time my best mate was training in the marines..not quite the same i know...when your mate is running marathons with weight on his back and your building spiral balloon archways! But never the less, everyone has a dream.
I was with the business for many years, including when it re opened in its current location.
I then popped off for a few years to get married and have children, and settle into the family life. Then, out of the blue, just over 2 years ago, Inge called to say she was heading off for pastures new and would I be interested in buying the business?
At this point I have two small children and I’m working part time for the National Autistic Society which I adore, however when you know you can own something special and something you love, you’ve just got to take the leap of faith!
So on September 11th 2017 I became the new owner of the Godalming Party Company Ltd. As with anything in life, owning a business is a rollercoaster. Having managed the business for years, owning it is a different ball game, there’s ALOT more paperwork to start with, I also feel I have to be 2 seasons ahead all of the time!
However, with the team I have around me, we have been able to build something incredible and it’s still continuing to grow with the support of our local community.
So to round up this little ditty I would like to introduce the team to you:
Sindy Hammond Jones - Thats me! Director/Owner or otherwise known as the 'part time member of staff' (I still have two children to raise) Lover of friendship, Pantomime and Party Shops!
Linda - Deputy Sales Manager
Linda has been with the shop for over 4 years now. She’s the artistic one! All you have to do is look up at our ceiling to realise why! She can find you a costume out of fresh air and her knowledge of film and music is incredible.
Caroline - Deputy Sales Manager
Caroline came on board after she ‘offered to help’ in my first few weeks (she’s also one of my best friends). She's the creative one! Just check out the photos on our social media. She didn’t realise it at the time but she has an obvious flair and love for all things balloons and is brilliant at colour matching.
Alina - Saturday Survival Staff!
Saturdays are busy, it’s generally the Party day of every week! She's the singing one! She loves a good Pantomime & Musical! Alina joined us for work experience back in 2018 and when she turned 16 in 2019 she knew she would be whipped right up! She maybe new to the team but her feet are finding themselves comfortably under the table.
Megan - Saturday Survival Staff!
When we advertised for the spot, Megan made sure I knew she was interested! She's the tidy one! Her thirst for knowledge within the business is creditable and she’s definitely the tidiest member! Alongside that her glitter writing is exceptional!
Sadie and Sammy - our floating back up
These ladies were part of the original team when I took over, and whilst they are at uni now and conquering all things emergency services they still pop by to help with the odd job, and bring us cake!
Cara - another one of my dearest friends that gets called in for many jobs! She's the eye for detail!
So that's us! That's the Team!
The Godalming Party Company is very lucky to have such a dynamic team and I love knowing that whenever a customer walks in saying ‘this is a strange request...’ we can usually fulfill it!
I’m hoping that we continue to be part of your lives for all occasions as much as you have become part of ours 🎈
You can find out what our team get up to by visiting our About Us page on our website.