Shoosh Steps in new Direction

For the last three and a half years, Ainsley Fyfe has been the owner operator of Shoosh Barham, a ladies shoe boutique, but has recently decided to return to her first passion – teaching.

In 2017, she took a hiatus from teaching at Barham Primary School and purchased Shoosh in Murray Street. It was a career change she literally took in her stride and discovered a love of shoes and enthusiasm for strong customer service.

“I have absolutely loved these last few years,” she told The Bridge, “At the time I was looking for a change and embraced the challenge.”

 Having never worked in retail prior to Shoosh, Ainsley said she learned on the job, and owes much of the store’s success to loyal customers and adapting to change, in particular during the pandemic last year.

“We certainly had a few challenges last year but the rewards far outweighed them. Building the brand, getting to know customers from far away who then became return customers and big supporters of the shop made the hurdles worthwhile. I just had to learn to adapt, and I can honestly say that I loved every bit of it.”

With new owner and former local Bree Rennie taking over, Ainsley is not only looking forward to the return to the classroom but also spending more time with her family and getting into her garden.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank my customers, not only for supporting Shoosh but for supporting all the other retailers we have in this town, because together we are strong. People come to Barham, not just for one shop but collectively, and I think that’s wonderful.”

New owner: Bree Rennie 

It was while working at Ainsley and husband, Drew’s, house last year that Bree asked Ainsley a random question about her business.

“I just asked her if she would ever consider selling the shop and to my surprise, she mentioned how she had been missing being away from teaching. I asked about it because I had always seen myself owning my own shop; I love retail. Like most women, I do love a pair of quality shoes and all the accessories that go with them,” Bree told The Bridge.

Although born and bred in Barham, Bree had moved to Finley some years ago where she married and had two children. 

After becoming widowed five years ago, she returned to Barham and has been here ever since. Bree says she is thoroughly looking forward to the new venture and is excited to bring new styles as the seasons change.

“I’m mostly looking forward to meeting all the current customers of Shoosh and welcoming new ones. 

“I encourage customer feedback and hope to continue to grow what has already been such a successful and well supported business.”

Be sure to call in to Shoosh in Murray Street Barham, right next to IGA and check out the range with new stock arriving daily.