Wall Of Fame: Zoe Bolechala, point to the window

An article by Claire Jones-Hughes    No Comments

Recent mumpreneur, Zoe Bolechala 36, runs her bespoke curtain, blind and soft furnishing business point to the window from her home in Saltdean, Brighton.

Tell us about your kids? I’m mum to two boisterous boys, Leo 4 and Jake 1, so life is full of noise and fun!

Tell us about your partner/ family/ support network? My husband, Luke is very supportive - I’ve not had him making yet but he has been known to help me with some stab-stitching! More usually he takes charge of the finance side of the business.

We’re lucky to have a great support network in Brighton – my parents moved to Saltdean a year ago and help out with childcare, and Luke’s sister and brother are local too.

Are you Brighton born and bred? No, but I grew up in Croydon so day trips to Brighton are a big part of my childhood memories. Luke and I spent a year travelling and had itchy feet when we arrived back in South London so decided, on a bit of a whim, to move to Brighton. We’ve never looked back – our boys will definitely be Brighton born and bred!

What’s the best thing about being a parent in the city? The friendliness of the mum-world. I was amazed when I had my first son that a whole new world had opened up to me. I love the fantastic array of activities on offer too. I think it’s easy to forget that isn’t necessarily the norm in other places in the UK.

Tell us about your favourite place in Brighton & Hove city? So many to choose from! Given an imaginary afternoon to myself I’d head to the North Laine…I’d want to fit in a rummage through the inspiring treasures in Snoopers Paradise; gorgeous French food in Mange Tout on Trafalgar Street; and finish off with a cheeky espresso martini in the bar of Hotel du Vin. Perfect. Now back to reality, off we go to the park!

What’s your favourite Brighton memory? There are so many….having our wedding photos taken on the seafront, heading out on my hen do with my best girlfriends in Brighton tuk-tuks that are sadly no longer running, and gorgeous sunny afternoons on the beach with friends.

What do you love doing in your spare time? Spare time has been a bit rare recently but I’ve just resigned from my day job so I’m hoping to have a bit more of it! I’m enjoying getting back into running, something that I’d dropped since being pregnant with Jake. Training for the next Brighton superhero’s run is keeping me motivated…just got to get the costume sorted. Leo is keen for me to be the hulk – I’m not so sure! I love all things vintage too, so I’m happiest when searching for a hidden gem at a car boot sale or in a charity shop. Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair is an ideal day out for me!

Tell us about your business or work? Point to the window specialises in bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings for kids and grown-ups.

The idea for my business started when I was looking for curtains and soft furnishings for Leo’s nursery that were quirky, vibrant and reflected my own taste. Blue teddy-bear fabric just didn’t hit the mark. So I found some fabric I loved and made my own.

After the birth of Jake, I came back to the idea. By then I’d gained an appreciation of how important black-out curtains and blinds are for a good night’s sleep and wanted to start my own business that would work more flexibly around family life, so 2013 became my year for making it happen.

It’s been a busy year getting started but I’m now seeing the benefits of being my own boss and the flexibility and enjoyment that brings with it. I love helping my customers prepare their nurseries or improve their children’s rooms.

Where can we find you?

Website: www.pointtothewindow.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pointtothewindow

Twitter: www.twitter.com/point2thewindow

Other: Come and meet us at Johnny Loves June’s Vintage and Hand Made Fair at the Shoreham Centre on 10 May 2014.