People Make Places with Ripon Business Owner Ellie Hartas

We recently spoke to the lovely Ellie Hartas who owns Ripon Uniform Shop on Blossomgate . Talking about what it’s like to be an independent business owner in our brilliant city, here’s what she had to say :

Why do you like doing business in Ripon? – I love being based in Ripon with my business, the sense of community in the city is fantastic. I strongly believe that if you want to live in a community then you have to be a part of that community, so I am involved with various charities and groups in Ripon.

What is your favourite product you sell? – Ooh, I have favourite school badges and then I have favourite colours of jumpers but they are always from different schools so my dream jumper is yet to be made! I do really like the Leavers Hooded Tops that we do, the children are always so excited when they come to order those and that’s really nice to see.

Do you have any business predictions for 2025? – I am sure I have the same fears as all small business owners, but you have to just take the rough with the smooth and try not to sweat the small stuff. I am so grateful for all the customers we have, I feel that we offer a great service, selling quality products that last and so hopefully everyone will continue to support us.

What other Ripon businesses would you recommend? – I would honestly recommend all businesses in Ripon, if you go looking for something you would be surprised at how much actually is available in the City. We have so many fantastic places to eat and drink, though I do have a soft spot for Valentino’s Ristorante as that’s where I went on my first date with my, now, husband!

Are there any changes or suggested improvements that would help your business? – I think, if local people continue to support the shops and establishments in their area it can only be a good thing. I have seen other places lose out when out of town shopping areas are built, so keeping business in the city centre I think is important.

What is your favourite part of the job? – It’s seeing how the children change over the years. We are really fortunate to have customers who come to us every year from them starting at nursery, so seeing them grow from toddlers to young adults when they get to 6th form is just great. I’ve also recently had customers who were children when they first came into my shop now come back with their own children who are starting at school, which is amazing, especially given that in my head I’m still only 21 years old!