This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Rebecca Mandrekas, owner of Twig & Ink in Knaresborough.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

It's probably best described as a small boutique. We sell clothing, accessories, giftware, a small selection of menswear – all sorts of things, really.

What does it take to be successful in business?

Kindness to customers, accessibility, a good location (just on the High Street), and a good window display – we vary ours, and I like to think it's good. You've also got to be welcoming – I've got a wonderful team, with two lovely ladies who help me run the shop.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

Enjoyment of the job. I do what I love, and it's worked.

We have great customers, a lot of them locals who come in so often they're the 'usual crew' and they've become friends. They even come in for a coffee – and there are actually quite a lot of them.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

We first opened in December 2020 and lasted just four weeks before we had to close again for a covid lockdown. Covid had a lot of knock-on effects – everybody had their struggles, and so did we.

They said it'd take five years to properly come out of it, and we're now in our fifth year, so I'm hoping it's all going to get better from now on.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

We support everybody as much as we can. Knaresborough Business Collective is working with Totally Locally on ways to boost trade in the town, and as part of that, we counted 71 businesses we use and rely on.

We love lots of Knaresborough businesses, including Number 13, Hirst's Bakery, the Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company, Esmé's on Market Square – I could name everybody.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Natalie Horner and the Knaresborough Business Collective have led Knaresborough beautifully. They've organised the Knaresborough Business Awards (we won the award for Favourite Retailer!), the Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail, security cameras on the High Street, the Christmas trees – everything that needs doing, they do, brilliantly.

What could be done locally to boost business?

That's a tough question. We're already trying our best.

But the town could maybe do with a bit of a facelift. Some of the buildings are looking a bit tired and sad. I don't know who's responsible for that.

A couple of movies have been filmed in Knaresborough in recent years, and they've created a real buzz, so maybe we should have more films made here.

Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?

The best thing is the wonderful customer connections I've had with local people. Even during covid we had maximum support from customers.

Also, Knaresborough is just a lovely place to be. We sometimes take it for granted, but it's a spectacular town.

I can't think of a worst thing – I've had no bad experience here.

What are your business plans for the future?

I want to stay here for as long as I can. To be honest, it's a case of hoping for the best each year. 

I wouldn't think I'd be expanding or moving anywhere. I'm in a good spot right by the bus station, so we're pretty much the first port of call for people arriving in the town.

What do you like to do in your time off?

I'm a very crafty person, so I often do a bit of artwork. I dabble at all sorts of things using watercolour pencil and ink, but I don't do commissions – just whatever comes into my head.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

There are loads of places! Esme's is good for coffees and toasted sandwiches, the Farm Dairy just opposite Esmé's is great for salads and sandwiches, Number 13 is a nice place for a treat, such as coffee and cake, Marigold's on Waterside is my personal favourite, and then there's also the Black Mulberry when the queue's too long at Marigold's.

I can also recommend the Knaresborough Inn – that's where we had our Christmas do – as well as Berry's Tavern and Carriages.

We're really spoilt for choice in Knaresborough.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district – including Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale – and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.