In the picturesque town of Whitchurch, a distinctive lifestyle enterprise is attracting attention from both local residents and visitors. MOOand BOOM, a sustainable lifestyle and well-being emporium, has enjoyed notable success since its establishment during the period of lockdown. Co-founded by Maddie Ashbrook and her mother Stella, the establishment offers an array of sustainable products, including eco-friendly clothing, all-natural beauty items, nutrition-based goods, antiques, and handmade soft furnishings. What sets MOOand BOOM apart, however, is the immersive shopping experience it offers its clientele.
Maddie, a youthful entrepreneur, is committed to crafting an environment in which customers feel not merely as shoppers, but rather as active participants in an immersive experience. The establishment boasts a café, space for creative workshops, yoga and pilates classes, journaling seminars, and other activities designed to engage the local community. The goal is to be more than just a retail outlet, but rather a destination to which people will travel. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as MOOand BOOM was recently honoured with an award from the Federation of Small Businesses.
The inspiration for MOOand BOOM arose during the pandemic, when Maddie lost her position as a product coordinator for a luxury cashmere company in London. This period of introspection and reassessment led Maddie and Stella to pursue their shared passion for sustainability and well-being by launching their own eco-friendly lifestyle enterprise. The products are procured from sustainable wholesalers in the UK, and the establishment originally began as a pop-up shop selling pre-loved clothing, before expanding to offer furniture and homeware items.
What commenced as a modest concept has since burgeoned into a flourishing endeavour, with Maddie’s brother Jonjo overseeing a menswear and lifestyle boutique named JB and BOOM. Both enterprises have cultivated a loyal customer base and have been acknowledged by industry awards for their contributions to independent retail.
The triumph of MOOand BOOM serves as a testament not only to the industriousness and commitment of the family behind it, but also to the steadfast support of the local community. Maddie expresses her gratitude to the devoted customer base, teams, and friends and family for their ongoing support. She takes pride in being a part of Whitchurch’s vibrant community of independent establishments and encourages others to continue backing local businesses. In her own words, “There’s a person and a story behind that small business which you are supporting.”
As MOOand BOOM continues to flourish and broaden its offerings, the future appears promising for this sustainable lifestyle enterprise. For additional information about Maddie’s enterprise, please visit their website at mooandboom.com and indulge in the exceptional charm and ethos of this inspiring venture.