In this blog post, Emma shares her journey of choosing Speckled Hen Store for her work experience placement. Pursuing a degree in Psychology, she was drawn to the store for its small business operations and community engagement, allowing her to connect with local customers and understand their shopping behaviours. Emma describes her typical day at the store, which includes tasks like gift wrapping, restocking shelves, and handling new deliveries. She highlights the store's inviting atmosphere, enhanced by delightful scents from various diffusers. Emma sees the store as a community hub, offering a welcoming environment and unique, affordable gifts. She also shares her weekly product picks, showcasing items like Pot Sitters and the Ivy & Wood Reed Diffusers. Read more about Emma's experience at Speckled Hen Store below.

What factors in your life led you to choose Speckled Hen Store for your work experience placement, and how do you think it aligns with your career aspirations?

Hello! There were a few factors that led me to the path of choosing Speckled Hen Store for my work experience. These included the ability to experience the workings of a small business, as well as the ability to Interact with the community. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, which allows me to gain insights into the diverse lives of individuals in the community. This experience has offered me a glimpse into their lives (as I am a local myself), as well as opened my eyes to the idea of their shopping and buying habits.

Can you describe in detail what a typical day entails for you at the store, including your daily tasks and interactions with both staff and customers?

My day usually starts with helping gift wrap, pack and send out all the online orders from the night before. I also get to drop them off at the post office next door! From there, I help stock the shelves and ensure they are looking clean and ready for customers. I also assist with stocking up our gift wrapping, shopping bags and ribbon supplies (there’s so many ribbon colour options, and they’re ever-changing!). At midday, and when the deliveries would arrive, we’d start unpacking, pricing and displaying all the new stock. My day finishes with more restocking of the shelves, tidying and cleaning - there’s always something fun to do!

How would you describe the atmosphere and environment at Speckled Hen Store to someone who has never visited, and what unique elements contribute to this ambiance?

The atmosphere is a good type of unique - Speckled Hen Store is not your average gift store, there’s an extra sense of welcome and you leave with a smile. Extra points for the amazing smell of the store (a combination of the gorgeous diffusers!), my favourites being the Ivy & Wood Homebody Santal Reed Diffuser and the Ivy & Wood Homebody Reef Reed Diffuser. I also love the Ivy & Wood Peach Blossom Candle from their new Flora Collection.

What role do you think the store plays in the local community, and how have you seen this during your placement?

I think that Speckled Hen Store helps the community by being a relaxing spot for the locals and visitors alike, to visit and connect with the owners and the rest of their community in a fun and welcoming setting. It’s also a great place to find unique gifts for every age, and at an affordable price!

Emma’s Top Products of the Week:

1. Pot Sitters - the #1 gift for everyone!
2. The Perfume Oil Company 10ml Roll On - my favourites are Sass, Flirt & Rouge.
3. Jiggle & Giggle Felt Friends - these remind me of my grandma!
4. Coast To Coast Olio Olive Oil Bottles - unique and will forever be associated with Speckled Hen Store.
5. Cooksmart England Reverse Conical Mug Highland Sheep Beige
6. Ivy & Wood Australiana Florals Reed Diffuser