A boutique in Sidcup is celebrating a remarkable milestone - two decades of fashion and business.

Louisa Smith opened Icicle Boutique in November 2003 when she was 26-years-old with her mum Barbara Jefferson.

The mum-of-two studied at the London College of Fashion and worked tirelessly to eventually open up her own fashion boutique.

Their shop, in 2 Nisbet Walk, was a Shell Unit that was newly built by Morrisons (Safeway at the time) and on their second floor, they were successful in selling occasion wear until 2019.

News Shopper: Icicle Boutique

When the pandemic hit, they had to figure out what to do, and eventually, it proved in their favour.

Louisa said: “When Covid hit, we shut the second-floor part to run the website form.

“Initially me and my son Bradley were hand delivering for free within a five-mile radius.

“Soon, it became so busy that we had to open a warehouse.” 

During the pandemic, Facebook proved to be their hero in getting more customers as they gained thousands of followers after being featured on ITV News.

She added: “We were on ITV National News and gained a huge following on Facebook over the years of 29,000 followers.

“Devastatingly, we lost this page last year, and are unable to get any help from Facebook to recover it.

“We started a new page and are trying to get our followers back.

“This could take years. Heartbreaking.”

They do Facebook and Instagram Lives three days a week, which results in people travelling up to three hours to Sidcup to see the shop in person.

Louisa added: “We offer a wide range of sizing from 20-24 and we love to help ladies put outfits together.

“I have two managers that are key in running the shop when I’m not there, Mel and Jacqui.” 

To celebrate 20 years, Icicle Boutique will be filled with balloons, handing out goody bags, and giving discounts.

Furthermore, there will be handmade fashion-themed cupcakes and prosecco for customers on Saturday, November 11.

There will also be a 10 per cent discount on everything in-store and online until Sunday, November 11, at midnight.

Louisa said: “Our first ever customer in the shop was a lovely local lady called Linda.

“She still comes in now.”