Meet the team

Donna

I’m the owner of Chloe James Lifestyle which I named after my kids who were 11 and 13 when I started the business ten years ago! Such a lot has happened in that time - they have grown up and so has the shop!

I’ve always loved fashion and was lucky enough to have a career as a fashion buyer before the urge to open a shop of my own could be resisted no longer. What a journey it has been! From putting on fashion shows, to being on the telly and visiting Number Ten Downing Street, this job is never dull! But it is hard work, so you have to love it to do it - and I do! I’m passionate about independent stores and keeping our high streets alive and I love nothing more than being in the shop on a busy day with all the chatter, laughs and all-round good vibes. Our customers are THE best!

I’m really excited to be taking Chloe James Lifestyle on to its next phase with a brilliant team who all bring their own valuable skills to the business. Watch this space for exciting news and join us on the journey!

Mel

As you may already know, I’m no stranger to Chloe James Lifestyle! I’ve been a customer for many years & a very enthusiastic model for their fashion shows too!

Like lots of us, the pandemic presented me with many twists & turns to navigate, but here I am, chuffed to bits to be on the other side of the counter, serving our lovely customers. I’m very much a people person & so it’s a perfect environment for me.

I adore all things style & fashion related and qualified as a personal stylist in 2014. My passion for helping ladies find their style & confidence has never waned. My hobbies are Instagram, singing, acting. I’m St. Albans born & bred. I live with my teenage son, partner & my naughty rabbit called Jimmy Chew.

Nic

I’m Nic, CJL’s Saturday Stylist & Sales gal. I absolutely adore working in the treasure trove that is CJL (St Albans answer to Liberty I think!) The carefully curated collections of jewels, home accessories and fashion make it next level unique and I’m very proud to be on the team of my fave indie store… and working for such a pair of incredible lady bosses like Donna & Mel.

My past credentials include Personal Shopper at Topshop Flagship, Red/Glamour magazines, dressing Fearne Cotton & Michelle Williams to name a few and working for myself sorting clients wardrobes/style dilemmas….

Look forward to meeting you on a busy Sat!

I have been a member of the Chloe James Lifestyle team since December 2021. I was looking to return to work after raising my two sons who are now adults. I loved the idea of working in fashion retail and when the position became available at CJL I was super excited to become part of the team.

Working in a small independent boutique offers a unique and intimate experience. Some of the things I enjoy most working at CJL is meeting our lovely customers, it’s great to see them find that special something either for themselves or a gift for someone.

I also love working along side my fabulous colleagues, as a small team we work closely together. Each day in the shop is different and I embrace the diverse aspects of my job which make my work experience truly fulfilling.

Sarah

I am Sarah, I have lived in St Albans for 30 years, have a long suffering husband, 2 grown up kids, a grandchild and an insane dog. In the early part of my career when things were less hectic I worked in a buying capacity for 2 major retailers but for the past 15 years I have worked in shop floor roles, all in St Albans.

Why I like CJL? What’s there not to like ?

I can escape my hectic household for starters! I work with some fabulous ladies, even Mel… only kidding Mel! Surrounded by gorgeous and unique product, bit too lovely though as I seem to have bought most of it. Customers are ALL a delight, they genuinely love the stock and are excited to be in the shop, a testament to Donna. In addition they are chatty and charming, it makes a huge difference to our working day. Everyday is busy and varied, I love it and am still excited to come to work in my favourite shop in St Albans.