Lisa Dawson founded her shop on Marmion Road in the heart of Southsea in September 2020 after being made redundant due to the Covid pandemic. The shop was previously a kitchen show room and needed an extensive refit but after a lot of hard work and dedication Lisa Dawson Boutique finally opened on the 12 April 2021 and specialises in ladies’ occasionwear for events such as such as weddings and a day at the races.
Lisa says:
“I’ve always loved Marmion Road as it has that feel of the Brighton Lanes with its range of little independent stores. My boutique is directly opposite Waitrose, which has a large carpark, so no parking issues!”
“When the redundancy happened opening my own boutique was my first thought and the only place I wanted to be was here on Marmion Road in my home town of Southsea.”
Lisa’s goals for the business are to see everyone who needs that special occasion outfit walk out feeling fabulous! She has been working on the business on her own but she is hoping to take on a part time member of staff very soon.
Lisa will be selling exclusive dresses from the designer Veni Infantino, hats, fascinators and hatinators by Snoxell & Gywther and earrings by local designer, Freya Rose
According to Lisa:
“I’m hoping to attract mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers and stepmothers of the bride and groom, ladies off to Goodwood and Ascot, and other special occasion customers from far beyond Portsmouth so will add much needed footfall and trade to Southsea. I believe the store will be a good asset to improving the appeal and draw to Southsea shops.”
Lisa was given financial support by Portsmouth City Council after applying for the local restrictions support grant and restart grant
“If I hadn’t received the grants I would probably have gone under before I even started. This was such a life line and I am so grateful to the council for supporting me and my business.”