Hello, my name is Danielle.
So, life hasn't been straightforward!
I graduated from Law School in 2006 but was unable to continue on that path for several reasons, primarily family/life & caring difficulties I had to resolve (and I couldn't face more student debt!). All this was supported solely by my mother (and me working at the same time) after my father leaving us when I was three and never supporting me in any way.
I have had a lot of life experience and experience of many types of employment either side of this; I have worked as a fashion merchandiser/stylist, horse groom/rider, Salesperson, Conveyancer, Solicitor’s PA, Executive Officer (DWP) and TESOL Teacher in Spain... I even cleaned pig pens as a part-time job whilst at school :-)
My absolute loves are animals, cars and style with a huge passion for mental health wellness; Unfortunately a spinal injury in 2001 (4 crushed discs) meant I could no longer fulfil my dream of becoming a riding instructor (or mechanic!). The pain is varying but constant but I carry on refusing to let it stop me being very active which is how I keep happy and positive.
Due to many changing circumstances (including an awful bereavement/long illness and breakdown of my engagement in 2012. My fiance also leaving myself and Cairo (my angel rescue Dobermann), homeless, after me renovating the property. He very kindly forced us to leave as he couldn't support me through my illness) I am now self-employed using my skills as a stylist, online buyer/seller, photographer & writer and my knowledge and experience of Fashion & Designer brands, in particular Gucci. I have become an expert at fully refurbishing Gucci Watches. I was left with PTSD and had to do something from home although I do work as a part-time PA at 'Choices for Life' now also. I love my job and the people I work with and help support. I am also just finishing renovating a house bought in 2016. I love practical work and have done nearly all the plumbing, woodwork, tiling, electrics and decorating etc myself. Nobody else has ever been there to do these things for me and I've never been able to afford professionals so I get stuck in :-) Fitting the new bath was 'fun', I spent about a week under it fixing about 15 different leaks!
The end of my life as I knew it in 2012 forced me to have to try to look good on a very low budget. It gives me confidence and I really needed to get that back. My little business has evolved (and is still evolving!) over the last few years...
I source and sell desirable items, particularly Gucci watches, so my customers can enjoy the luxury and style of quality brands without overspending. I prefer to save my money for life experiences and as many of them as possible; life is short!
I always say I would rather have pre-owned quality than new average... Unless 'new quality' is an option of course!
Some of my items are actually new however and, if not, they are cleaned, examined for faults and, in the case of the watches and jewellery, professionally cleaned and re-polished (another skill I self-learned) to look almost as new. Most polishing involves a quick re-shine whereas I fully resurface the items; several hours hard work on my custom made polishing machine.
Preparing the items and advertising them so informatively takes a lot of work but it means any chance of disappointment is completely minimalised; buying online is often very difficult as the individual/practical item details we all want to know are often missing. I have always found this so infuriating! I have clothes labelled 6 through to 16 that all fit and look the same size!
You can have lovely things no matter what your budget.
In 2012 I went from just wanting to sleep & cry to power walking/hiking 8+ miles a day, losing 2 dress sizes and building a small business. I couldn't even drive into town without a panic seizure (this happened many times a day for many months but is now virtually non-existent) so I sold my car at the time and forced myself to travel to Spain for 6 months alone (and undertook an intensive teaching course) to move forward. I wanted to be so busy I would have to get better. PTSD doesn't just affect people in the forces etc as I try and raise awareness of; it will always be in the background but I have kept it that way now since 2013.
I try and experience as much as my small budget will offer, recently I even fulfilled a lifelong dream of driving race cars (a half price NASCAR offer of course!).
These last years have been the worst and best of my life. I would not be the person I am without it and pride myself with never judging anyone without walking a lifetime in their shoes. Trail running with my angel Cairo was my cure and exercising with my dogs is what keeps me 'ok'. Cairo was my beloved rescue Dobermann who I owe always for encouraging me out into life again without even knowing it. I owe her my life. I also adopted another Rescue Dobermann 'Diego' (nickname 'horse' as he was so huge!). Diego was rescued by DRUE from a kill shelter in Cyprus. 2019 was I think the worst year of my life, eventually losing my angel Cairo and then Diego too within weeks of each other. This is after spending 6 months supporting him from paralysis to walking again after crushing discs in his neck. He died suddenly of GDV at the emergency vets and Cairo passed peacefully a very elderly lady.
I
was completely inconsolable. My dogs are what I live for. Just days
later I adopted Ted who has now completely taken over my life &
love, he will be my 6th Rescue Dobermann. We went on a hiking trip to
Scotland and that was really the start of life again.
I now also design and make 'biothane' dog kit, particularly long-lines ('K9 Freedom Line') as nothing on the market was good enough. They solve many problems in terms of safety, comfort & giving dogs 'safe freedom' whilst in public areas. I make many custom items and have several designs offering back-up and extra security for reactive dogs. One size does not fit all so I offer infinite options and combinations.
Ted helps and keeps me company in my home office/workshop every day!
Anyway, enough about me, I hope you may find my story, services & items to your liking (and please tell your friends and family).
Danielle x
