INDIE SPECIAL
Starting out with a passion for quality coffee, music, conversation and characters, Simon has grown the business organically, now employing 100 staff across the Gwydir Street, Trumpington Street and Shepreth sites, winning awards along the way. “I still enjoy it as much today as I did when I first opened, although that might depend on which day you ask me!” he laughs. Doing their bit A shared aim, likely among all independent businesses, is celebrating individuality. Each business is brimming with personality, and exists to help its customers embrace their own, each and every day. “Getting to know our customers, stripping away that corporate stuffiness and helping people express themselves is exactly why independent business matters,” agrees Indu Jose, joint venture partner at IOLLA, an independent eyewear retailer on Green Street. “Eyewear is deeply personal, and my proudest moments are when our team helps a customer put on a bold new frame or custom tint, look in the mirror and instantly beam with confidence.” Offering prescription glasses, sunglasses and bespoke eyewear styling, with transparent, all-inclusive pricing for single-vision and varifocal glasses, IOLLA is celebrating a year in business this month. Indu has been bowled over by the warm reception from the Cambridge community her team serves. Giving back is also at the heart of that sense of community spirit. “The awareness and money we raise every year for charity
is our biggest achievement,” says Hayley Butler, boutique manager at Cuckoo Clothing, located at Burwash Manor, Barton. “We’ve raised thousands!” As a proudly independent and female- run business, Cuckoo Clothing has been trading for 20 years now. Throughout that time, it has been treating its customers to unique prints, beautiful textiles, natural fabrics and interesting shapes, as well as jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, skincare and footwear. Indeed, as Wendy Smalley observes, community works best when everyone
FIT LIKE A GLOVE IOLLA (top left, above) and Cuckoo Clothing (below) both strive to help you look and feel like your authentic self
pulls together for the greater good. “For me, independent retail is all
Each business is brimming with personality and exists to help its customers embrace their own
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JULY 2026 11
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