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Shop Hartlepool Blog

Welcome to the Shop Hartlepool blog, a great place to find out more about the amazing businesses signed up to Shop Hartlepool.

We want to shout about Hartlepool’s success stories and introduce you to the new kids on the block. You’ll find behind the scenes articles about local businesses alongside regular updates and news from the Shop Hartlepool team. 

We are always looking for great stories, so if you want to to be featured, or know a business who would, get in touch using the button below.   

Add some Spanish sparkle

It is no surprise that life can often throw up obstacles which could derail your plans entirely. Sometimes those obstacles present an opportunity to make a change for the better, as Stacey discovered when she started La Ama de Casa Spanish Cleaning Products after a change in circumstances. We had a chat with Stacey about her journey and her love for Spanish cleaning products!

What is your back story?

I worked in care for 20 years, five with the elderly and more recently 15 years with learning disabilities. I loved my job but as I worked on an ad hoc basis, when the company I worked for became fully staffed I was left without work. I decided to try and turn a negative into a positive and went to the Hartlepool Adult Education to complete a computer course. I was working 1:1 with dementia patients when the pandemic hit but when my son had an accident in March 2021, I simply couldn’t work and look after him. After being introduced to Spanish cleaning products about 4 years ago, I regularly ordered them online, always wishing there was a shop nearby where I could smell the different scents. I had the idea to open my own shop and couldn’t stop thinking about it…I went to bed and dreamt I owned a shop! My son said, “Mam, do it!” So I found an online business start up course and wrote my own business plan. Hartlepool Enterprise Centre helped me apply for a small grant and I found a premises within The Arches that was perfect for me. 

Tell us a bit about the products you offer in your shop

I stock Asevi, Brumol and the baby range Nenuco, which is highly recommended by Spanish paediatricians. I love that most Spanish cleaning products are often multi-use, so the same product you can clean your oven with is also a great stain remover for clothes! They smell amazing and are concentrated so a little goes along way and the scent lasts.  

What do you love most about running your own business?

I love the fact that I’m my own boss. I’m absolutely shattered some days but I remember I’m doing this for a better work/home life balance. It’s better to be out the house five hours a day rather than thirteen. 

Do you have any advice for anyone starting their own business? 

My advice for anyone thinking about owning their own business is just do your research and go for it. 

What products would you recommend to everyone who comes in your shop? 

Most people coming into my shop usually start with floor and bathroom cleaners, see how good they are and move onto other products. I stock wax melts to match the scents of floor cleaners, hoover discs and sink fizzies, which activate with boiling water to deodorise and disinfect. I also sell everything from air fresheners and fabric sprays to washing detergents and carpet cleaners. I also make up bundles of different products with same scent to save the customer a few pounds and encourage them to try different things. I pride myself on great customer care.

If you are looking to get stocked up on some brilliant new cleaning supplies, then visit La Ama De Casa Spanish Cleaning Products at The Arches, Monday to Saturday. Stacey will be able to  help you get started if you aren’t sure what products will be right for you. For updates on stock and opening hours make sure you are following them on social media. 

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