This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This week we’re focusing on Rebel & Rose run by Rachael Brereton, which has been in Chapel Allerton for almost 6 years.

To get to know Rebel & Rose a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with Rachael…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

Hi, I'm Rachael and I'm the owner of Rebel & Rose, my shop is nearly 6 years old. I have 6 members of staff in total, Wendy being my regular part time member and Isobel being my Saturday girl. The others work over the very busy Christmas period  

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I opened a similar shop in Ripon (which I had for 5 years), but I live in Roundhay so somewhere nearer was preferable. I had been looking for the perfect premises for ages and knew immediately that Chapel Allerton was the place for me. I LOVE my shop here

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 I open at 9.30am and often have customers straight away,  I frequently go to the local gym (chapelallerton tennis club) before work so am in dire need of a coffee as soon as I open!

Customers pop in for a chat and to see what's new, they usually don't know what they want but feel sure they'll find it in my shop (which is an amazing compliment). Hopefully a busy sales-day, lots of deliveries, merchandising, meetings with reps.

Biggest achievement to date?

 Surviving the covid lockdowns! I hadn't even been open for a year and was therefore not particularly established. Rebel & Rose not only survived but is now very much thriving...I'm proud of this - it has taken a lot of hard work 

Favourite product you sell?

Leather bags, I stock leather from beautiful,  British companies as well as Italian leather

My favourite gift items are from independent companies who hand make everything and tailor them particularly for Rebel & Rose .... I love having unique gifts in store 

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

Best: my own boss, independence,  huge pride, my hard work is for me, building relationships with customers,  experiencing the joy of customer loyalty, mentoring young staff, revelling in providing excellent customer service 

Worst: worry!!! ....it all falls to me, increasing business costs, the thought of shoplifters

Favourite time of your in the business?

 The run up to Christmas,  it's bonkers-busy! I love having a queue, I love the happy interaction between customers,  I love being able to exceed expectations and gift wrap all their purchases 

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 Lucy Craske holistic beauty, I use their products already but I would literally slather myself in all their gorgeous lotions & potions 

I would have a full day of massages (it's my day being in charge so I think that's completely acceptable 😁) the vibe in there is always so calming and serene...  I think I need a little bit of that, also the staff there are so lovely so I'd have a super day.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

New product ranges are coming in store from Feb onwards

I want to get a grip of my website,  this has been so neglected which is ridiculous. Now is the time to sort it out

I want to increase the amount of private 'sip & shop' parties that I do - they are great fun and generate a lot of income 

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

 Chapel Allerton has the BEST independent shops and I massively appreciate being part of it. The loyalty of our customers is outstanding.  I truly love finding the right product/gift for every single person

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

 I was heavily into the punk scene (1980's & '90's) shaved head/mohican 

I used to go out with an Australian Neighbours soap star

Where can we find you

4 Stainbeck Corner. Leeds. LS7 3PG 

(Insta) @rebel_and_rose

(Fb) @rebel.and.rose4

(Website) myrebelandrose.com