We are delighted to announce that épanoui is a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2019.
Nominated as one of five finalists in the category ‘Best Gift Shop’ in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, we are overwhelmed with the support from our lovely customers, friends and peers that we have received so far.
In the run up to the announcement of the winner next Thursday, we thought we’d share a bit about the journey of épanoui to date, and very importantly, the details of how you can vote for us to have the chance of winning for something we love doing.
Our story
épanoui was founded in 2012, the creation of Bedfordshire based jewellery designer, Hannah Paine.
Originally from Kent, Hannah completed a Fashion Communications degree at Nottingham Trent University and then a jewellery course at Central Saint Martins University in London. Upon moving to Bedford, our now home, she launched her very first jewellery collection.
Taking inspiration from nature and aspiring to harness natural beauty, Hannah’s aim was to design a wearable, fine jewellery range that inspired its wearer to feel good in their own skin – to flourish. From this, épanoui was born; the word meaning to blossom, grow and flourish, perfectly epitomizing the feel-good energy and aspirations of Hannah’s jewellery, and now the mantra of our revered lifestyle brand.
In 2015, épanoui opened the doors of our cosy bricks and mortar shop and studio on the corner of Mill Street, Bedford. Offering artisan homeware, wellbeing products and gifts, our ever-expanding collection of hand-crafted jewellery, and more recently creative workshops and events, the shop and studio has continued to grow and flourish itself. Now, épanoui, with its welcoming team, has become a go-to for Bedfordshire shoppers and creative experience seekers.
épanoui prides itself on being a little shop full of big ideas. Whether it’s discovering something new for yourself, sharing a thoughtful gift or dipping into a refreshing new experience – together, we are blossoming, growing and flourishing.
A note from Hannah
“We’re over the moon to be one of the five finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2019, ‘Best Gift Shop’ category for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Since starting épanoui at my dining room table in 2012, it’s been a rollercoaster journey. I feel so grateful to have such a wonderful team of people who make épanoui possible with me, such lovely customers who make it all worth it and a great group of independent shops as neighbours who inspire me daily. It’s a privilege to have the support that épanoui has and to be recognized in such an award as this.” – Hannah Paine, épanoui founder
How to vote for us
To vote for us in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2019, Best Gift Shop category follow these 3 easy steps:
- Click here and enter your email address
- You’ll receive an email with your unique voting link. Follow your link.
- Click 'Vote' for the 'Best Gift Shop' category from the category options. Select 'épanoui (Bedford, Beds)' from the options and submit your vote.
Voting opens at 9am on Wednesday 15 May 2019 and closes at 12noon on Wednesday 22 May. The winner is decided by public vote, so the more votes we get – the better! The business with the most votes will be crowned the winner.
Voting starts from zero - nominations from the first round are not carried forward, as it is now a competition between 5 Finalists in each of the 24 categories.
Thank you for all of your ongoing support & love. Fingers crossed!
épanoui x
