If you've ever wandered up Steep Hill towards Lincoln Cathedral and spotted a little pink shop along the way, chances are you've found us.
HOW A LITTLE PINK SHOP
became a Lincoln Favourite
Back then!
Back in 2004 there wasn't a grand business plan, no dreams of world domination, no five-year growth strategy and certainly no expectation that one day I'd end up on the BBC talking about ribbon!!!
There was simply a desire to create a shop filled with things I genuinely loved.
Before Follie, my career took me in all sorts of directions. I worked in fashion, textiles and design, travelled in Australia, worked on film costume productions and spent years figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up. Eventually I realised the answer was right in front of me...
I wanted to create the sort of shop I'd love to visit myself, a little quirky, a lot colourful, a place where beautiful things, thoughtful gifts and friendly faces all lived under one roof.
Twenty-one years later, that's still exactly what Follie is.
NOT THAT WE’RE SHOWING OFF...
Well... maybe just a little bit.
Over the years Follie has appeared in magazines, newspapers, industry publications and national media.
We've been featured in House & Garden, appeared in Woman & Home, won Best Independent Retailer for Midlands & Wales at The Greats Awards, featured in Gifts Today magazine and Balance Magazine, and recently found ourselves popping up in The Guardian, The Telegraph and on the BBC.
Not bad for a little pink shop in Lincoln.
I’m Josie Rossington, and over twenty years ago, (wow, I can’t believe it!) I took a leap of faith on a dream that combined my love of beautiful things, unique treasures and making people happy.
And voila! Follie was born!
What started as a little shop has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined, as it quickly became a cornerstone of the centre of the Bailgate, Lincoln.
Some customers have been visiting for years. Some pop in whenever they're visiting Lincoln. Some come for a browse and a chat. Others come in for one birthday card and leave with a bag full of things they absolutely didn't mean to buy.
I love every single one of them.
Josie x.
Celebrating
20 Fabulous Years
of Follie!
Last year we celebrated twenty years of Follie.
To mark the occasion, I finally did something I'd wanted to do for years and created a very special Follie collection.
Working alongside some of our wonderful suppliers, we designed a range of exclusive pieces especially for the birthday celebrations, with profits supporting two charities close to my heart: St Barnabas Hospice and Blood Cancer UK.
It was one of the most rewarding projects I've ever worked on.
Not just because the collection was beautiful, but because it reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a supportive community of customers, makers, suppliers, friends and family.
The birthday may be over, but the gratitude certainly isn't.
...LET's talk
"Follie-ness"
And twenty years ago, (wow, I can’t believe it!) I took a leap of faith on a dream that combined my love for unique treasures with a deep desire to create a special space where everyone could find a piece of joy.
And voila! Follie was born!
My quaint, pink-fronted shop that quickly became a cornerstone of the centre of the Bailgate, Lincoln.
We've celebrated many milestones, from features in House & Garden to winning The Greats Award for Best Independent Retailer in Midlands & Wales, pretty proud as punch tbh!
Why people keep coming back...
People often ask what the secret is and the truth is, there isn't one.
I buy things I genuinely love,
I treat customers how I'd want to be treated.
I say hello when people come in.
I never want anyone to feel pressured into buying something.
And I still get excited when deliveries arrive.
After all these years, I still love finding beautiful products, discovering new makers and helping people find gifts they'll be excited to give, because underneath all the pretty things, that's what Follie has always been about...
MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LINCOLN'S BUZZ WITH
Follie
Want to discover the fabulous local events that are going on around and about?
Check out our Local Events Guide and really become part of what makes Bailgate, Lincoln and beyond so unique…
Fancy a Little More Follie?
Come & Visit Us!
You’ll find our pink and proud gift shop in the centre of Lincoln’s historic Bailgate.
Follie
83 Bailgate, Lincoln. LN1 3AR
Mon- Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 11am - 4pm
Times may vary on Public Holidays, check our social media for updates!