A Journey of Restoration: Steve Wyatt’s Triumph with Restored Retro
Twenty years ago, Steve Wyatt’s life was a stark contrast from the vibrant persona greeting visitors today at Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole, the proud owner of Restored Retro – a wonderful vintage furniture store that specialises in the professional restoration of mid-century and G Plan furniture. His remarkable journey is a testament to perseverance, transforming a past marked by addiction into a flourishing business in furniture restoration, shaped by a partnership forged in rehabilitation.
Steve’s transformation wasn’t conventional, but it’s a testament to his resilience. Overcoming a tumultuous past and drawing on his skills in furniture restoration, he partnered with someone he met during his rehabilitation journey to enter the business world.
The opening of Restored Retro
Reflecting on his journey, Steve recounted, “I started in the garden with £100 and a sander, with my pieces showcased in a small pitch at Bournemouth Vintage Emporium, which grew significantly within a month. I then pursued an opportunity at the Kingland project, Dolphin, and Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) scheme, which provided ten retailers with free rent and business rates for two years. Dorset’s support for new businesses is almost unheard of and has been instrumental in our success.”
“We opened Restored Retro just before lockdown, faced challenges, but adapted by growing an online following. After a year and 800 restored pieces, Jay Blades recognised our work and appointed us as the first stockist for Jay & Co. The expansion to the shop next door exclusively for Jay & Co reflects our continuous growth and dedication.”
Meticulously restoring every piece
Maintaining humility, Steve shared, “Our success is a result of hard work. We meticulously restore each piece; it’s not simply placing furniture on a shelf. We’re selective about opportunities and collaborations.”
Acknowledging the challenging times due to the pandemic and global turmoil, Steve stressed the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering community connections. He cherishes the relationships he’s built, especially with the Big Issue, remaining deeply rooted in Dorset despite his far-reaching connections.
An exciting journey to follow
As Steve continues his journey, he encourages a community-driven approach for success, bridging gaps between national entities and local businesses. His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of community support and collaboration, demonstrating that working together enriches and propels everyone toward success.
In the remarkable story of Restored Retro and Steve Wyatt’s journey, we witness the beauty of resilience, restoration, and the invaluable role community support plays in fostering growth and success.
We hope you’ll love Steve’s professionally restored pieces just as much as we do, and we’re delighted to be able to offer these unique pieces now on Hunt Vintage®. To view Steve’s latest pieces, simply click the link below.
