Vintage darlings: Vintage Scoops

So as part of my "lets talk about vintage" theme, today I'm pleased as punch to be showcasing the wonderful Vintage Scoops.

all images courtesy of Vintage Scoops

A year after the death of her mum, Hayley announced to her husband that she'd had enough of feeling sad, and had decided to purchase a vintage ice cream van. The ice cream van in question was a 1973 Bedford, and was named Betty after Hayley's grandmother.

Hayley had help restoring Betty from her husband and a good friend who is a mechanic and spent his apprenticeship working on Bedford vans. Together, they restored Betty to her full glory, refitting the floor, fixing the electrics, and respraying, and with the help of their friend they ensure that they keep Betty maintained and on the road. Hayley started trading in May 2010.

As her business grows from strength to strength, Hayley was chosen as overall winner by the Country Homes and Interiors 'Run Your Own Country Business of the Year” competition last autumn. Having started trading only a few months previously, this was clearly a wonderful accolade for someone during their first year of business. Hayley received a phone call telling her that she'd won on the last day of her full time job.  Hayley explains "It felt so right, like it was all meant to be. I couldn’t believe it! I was literally running round at work jumping for joy! I am pretty sure my lovely Mum had a little helping hand from heaven! She would of so enjoyed this journey I am on….. Winning the completion was such a huge boost and more than anything was reassurance that I was doing the right thing and was not totally mad!"

When I asked Hayley what inspired her to have a vintage ice cream van, she responded "I just wanted to be doing something where I could be me! Smiling and happy and an ice cream van festooned with bunting screams happiness to me. It evokes childhood memories, I sell all items, sweets and drinks that have a nostalgic feel to them".

When she's not serving ice cream from Betty, Hayley enjoys shopping and searching for vintage treasures at boot sales and flea markets.  "My own style at home is quite eclectic. That’s what makes us English girls so unique though I believe. I love colour, 50’s vintage fabrics, old cups and saucers, old glass jelly moulds, all those things that remind me of my Grandma and my childhood. To me it’s about enjoying the simple things,  things that are quintessentially English, fun and jolly. I surround myself with things and people that make me smile. Losing my mum who was only 53 has made me appreciate more than ever that life is too short for regrets."

I asked Hayley why she thought vintage has seen such a resurgence. Hayley explains "I think people are enjoying returning back to the simple things in life. In times when things are quite tough economically. We are all yearning and appreciating simple pleasures. Afternoon tea, garden parties and so on".

And Hayley's philosophy? "You only get one chance and life is for living. Follow your dreams..........."

With a van like Betty, I think Hayley's got us all dreaming of summer!

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