Jeremy Vine presenter to entertain at Kendal's Maya Maya 18 year bash

Clothing store Destination Maya Maya, now at Dockray Hall, offers clothing from casual wear to event wear including a hire service.

The big bash will take place on Friday October 20 at The Venue at Anyam Road and will also be a fundraising effort for the Bendrigg Trust.

The local charity helps provide activity breaks for schools, groups, families and adults with disabilities. 

Providing entertainment is well-known author Suzan Holder who is a TV presenter for Jeremy Vine and GB News, as well as being a producer for Loose Women.

She will tell of all the experiences that have shaped her life and provided material for her books - including marrying a rock star Noddy Holder from Slade.

Suzan has been a long-standing customer of Maya Maya which started in Blackhall Yard.

The business has had eight units in total over 10 years including at Wainwrights Yard in 2016. 

It has also held several fashion shows and raised around £55,000 for local charities.

Owner Amanda Slattery started the business as a part-time hobby.

She said: "I am ex-motor industry and very much business trained, not necessarily fashion trained, which I feel has been pivotal to the longevity of the business.

"I retired from the motor industry in 2005, where I was very much a woman in a man's a world.

"How are we still here after several recessions, storm Desmond, a flood, SLDC trying to close us down, Brexit, Covid? I don't know.

"Business acumen? A refusal to fail? The building of an incredibly loyal customer base? Being prepared to do what’s required, working 24/7?

"If you are not prepared to give it that, don’t open your own business. It involves being innovative, constantly changing and adapting."

Amanda's adaptation to a new career, and during the Covid pandemic, saw her recognised by His Majesty King Charles for her contribution to small businesses.

This was due to her online Boutiques in Business group which helped boutique owners across the UK through the effects of both Covid-19 and Brexit.

She attended an event in the Royal Apartments at the Palace in 2022.

Amanda's husband, Steven said: "Even through the lockdown, Amanda was always creating and coming up with new ideas that have lasted.

"She started out in a tough job in a very male-orientated industry to the point where employees were in a competition to win a ticket to the World Cup final.  

"She won however they gave it to the second runner-up as they didn't think women liked football. 

"I joke with Maya Maya and say I'm just here to change the lightbulbs, because it's all her."

Amanda also runs a Facebook platform called Veni Vidi Amar for the buying and selling of pre-loved clothes with no commission and voluntary to support the re-use and recycle campaigns.

She also won The Drapers fashion magazine award for Covid champion and was interviewed by BBC NW during Covid on how the business dealt with the pandemic. 

The 18 years' celebration will also see dancing to live music by Steve's band the Pazoozalators and £5 from every £10 ticket sold will go directly to the Bendrigg Trust, as will money raised on the night.

Local business and traders have also donated plenty of prizes for the raffle. 

Tickets are available online at Destination Maya Maya or from the shop.

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