Our 5 minutes with Trudy Cross

November 19, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

1. Lets introduce you with your vital stats. What’s your name and what local business do you own?  
My name is Trudy Cross and I own Tin Design. I am a mum of two and live in Westcliff with husband Barry, Amelie and Joseph.

2. Can you tell us a bit more about Tin Design. Where can we find you?
Tin Design sells quirky accessories, art and lighting for the stylish home.  I started Tin working from home a few years ago, and initially it was only an e-boutique.  After a while I grew out of the spare bedroom and needed a bigger space to package up and store stock.  A small shop came up just off the broadway so I made the leap and haven’t looked back since.

3. What have you found is key to running a successful business in leigh-on-sea? 
I have a background in Interiors and love sourcing unusual, vibrant and sometimes eccentric products,  I feel that Leigh on Sea is full of creative and interesting people and Tin has fitted in perfectly.  From the start I have been very keen to get my business out there on social media, and Instagram in particular has been a great tool for me.  I have recently achieved over 20K followers, this is paramount to Tin Design, as my shop is off the broadway - 3 Ashleigh Drive it is easy to miss it as you walk down the high street.  Many customers come in from both local and and far and wide as something has caught their eye on instagram.

As often as I can,  I style products at home and it really helps people visualise them in their own homes.  I do follow trends to source new and fashionable products, but I also have a love for antiques and often try to mix both old and new together.

I think having something different and Independent in Leigh will always be well regarded.  It is full of creatives and where possible take on products from local makers and artists.  I do not have any rules with regard to interiors, I just go with my heart and think if I like it so will others.  I actually have no retail experience so have to trust my eye.

4. So, a little more about the little town that we all love… Where is your favourite place in leigh-on-sea? Are you more of a broadway soul or an old town soul? 
My favourite places in Leigh are Corner Club, I love the food and the friendly staff as well as their live music nights.  Family favourites are Irmas and Henry Burgers and me and hubby also enjoy Felinnis.

5. Can you tell us your favourite memory you hold in Leigh-on-sea? 
A favourite memory for me in Leigh is hanging out with all the parents and kids down Old Leigh beach on the last day of term about 5 years ago.  It was a hot and balmy day, the children were playing in the mud and the parents letting their hair down with a few bevvies. In the evening you could see a storm brewing over the estuary.   Anyway all of a sudden the storm came in fast and furious, it was like something out of a film.  The four of us ran all the way down the tow path to Chalkwell as at the time we were living in Beach Avenue.  The thunder and lightning was a real spectacle albeit a bit frightening, and we screamed and laughed all the way home, soaked to our skin.

6. When did you last do a forward roll?
I can’t say I have done a forward roll for years but I have been known to do the Caterpillar!


7. Finally,  there any immediate exciting plans in the pipeline for Tin Design that you would like to share with our leigh-on-sea.com readers?  
Tin will be attending the Leigh Pop up at the Community Centre this Saturday and will also be at Recreation Flowers open day on 23rd November - 8 Imperial Avenue, Chalkwell.

To visit Tin Designs website please click here