We’re delighted to profile another Co-Founder from one of our fantastic independent businesses as part of our monthly ‘Meet the Brewery Square businesses’ feature.
Marcia Smith from Vinyl Van shares her story.
1. How did Vinyl Van start up?
“Vinyl Van was born in February 2019 when my partner, Helen and I started selling vinyl records from our VW Campervan at local festivals and Cornhill Market in Dorchester.
“We loved sharing our passion for music with others and realised as record sales took off, that we could turn this into a more permanent bricks and mortar business. We were fortunate to get a good start up deal that allowed us to open our shop at Brewery Square.
“Vinyl Van has become quite a community hub in its own right, with Helen and I running the shop and some of our amazing friends helping out. Three years down the line, we’re still going strong and having the time of our lives!”
2 What does your role involve?
“Buying lots of records, meeting lovely people and listening to great music.
“Helen is the organised one – she does most of the other stuff so we can keep the shop over our heads! Despite how easy we might make it look, there’s always lots to do like going through collections people bring in, cleaning and checking preloved vinyl, pricing, and ordering new releases.
“All that goes alongside the most important part – making our customers happy. Seeing someone going away with some new music, a record they’ve been searching for, a song that reminds them of someone or a time in their life, dancing to a tune in the shop, sharing music memories between generations…it makes everything worthwhile. I feel so lucky to be doing what we’re doing and I love coming to work every day.”
3. What’s your favourite part of your job?
“We’ve got to know so many fantastic people through the shop.
“Every day, we chat with a diverse crowd of music lovers and meet lots of inspiring young people. It’s great that we can also just be ourselves and take life at our own pace.
“The shop isn’t just a place to come and buy things – it’s a space to connect with others, share knowledge, and dance. We hope we’ve created a space that people enjoy visiting anytime, whether it’s during the day or at one of our events.
“We truly value the community that we’re part of here in Brewery Square and Dorchester and want to contribute in positive ways through what we’re doing at Vinyl Van.”
4. What do you enjoy most about being based at Brewery Square?
“There’s some other amazing local independent businesses and a real sense of friendship and community here.
“There’s always somewhere to eat, drink, shop, someone to wave at or chat to. On a sunny day with the fountains on, the sound of children having fun, the chatter from the local restaurants and people soaking up the ambience, it can almost feel like you’re on holiday. It’s a positive atmosphere for everyone – both visitors and those working at the Square.”
