Nicky Burgis is the Founder of Snoop Boutique in Norfolk, a finalist in this year’s Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards. Here, Nicky explains why she wanted to create a space where women can feel confident and empowered
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Nicky Burgis, the founder and owner of Snoop Boutique, but first and foremost I’m a woman who has spent much of her life navigating confidence, body image and change. What I do now is create a space — through clothing — where women can feel more like themselves again. Snoop is an extension of my own experiences and the belief that fashion can be supportive, not intimidating.
Are you Norfolk born and raised?
What do you love about living and working in the county? Yes. I was born on Norfolk and raised in a Wendling, a little village just east of Dereham. I left the county and the age of 14 as my dad’s job took us to Solihull in the West Midlands. Whilst my parents stayed there for several more years, I moved back at the age of 18 as I missed Norfolk so much and I have been here ever since. Norfolk is a place that really allows you to connect. There’s a strong sense of community where professional relationships seem easy to make and grow. There is a genuine appreciation for independent businesses. Running Snoop in Norfolk has never felt anonymous — customers take the time to talk, to share their stories, and that human connection is something I value deeply. I have raised my family here and wouldn’t want to have done that anywhere else.
What led you to setting up Snoop Boutique and what’s the thinking behind it?
Snoop was born from a very personal period of change in my life. When my marriage broke down 10 years ago, I went through significant weight loss which massively affected my confidence. More recently my body began to change again as I moved through menopause. I found myself in unfamiliar territory — physically and emotionally — and clothing became a form of armour on a daily basis. I used what I wore to protect myself, to project strength when I didn’t always feel it, and to regain some control at a time when everything else felt uncertain. That experience stayed with me. I realised how many women are quietly going through similar transitions — whether that’s body change, confidence loss, or simply feeling invisible in fashion. Snoop was created with those women in mind. It’s not about trends or dressing for anyone else. It’s about offering clothes that feel comfortable, considered and quietly confidence-boosting — pieces that work with your body as it changes, not against it.
What were you doing before (or what do you do alongside)?
Before Snoop, I enjoyed a 30-year career in marketing working in radio, design agencies and in marketing consultancy before jointly heading up the marketing team for a signage franchise until September 2024. Throughout my working life I’ve always been drawn to people, creativity and connection. Those experiences shaped how I approach Snoop today — it’s never just been about retail, but about listening, understanding and supporting women where they are.
Have you been surprised at how well Snoop Boutique has been received? Why do you think that is?
I have, genuinely. I have been blown away by the support and how well it has gone in the first year. When I first started, I wasn’t sure how Snoop would be received without having a traditional physical store. Choosing instead to host pop-ups — often in my own home or in customers’ homes — felt a little old-school, but it’s turned out to be one of the most special parts of Snoop. Since Covid, I think many of us have lost some of that ease around getting together, and Snoop has gently brought that back. People book parties either at my house or theirs, invite their friends, and it becomes a really relaxed, enjoyable experience. There’s laughter, conversation, and a lot of trying things on that you might never pick up in a shop. In a traditional changing room, you tend to take in the “safe” options and make decisions on your own. At a Snoop pop-up, you’re surrounded by people you know and trust, which gives you the confidence to experiment a bit more — different shapes, colours or styles you might not usually consider. I think that sense of comfort, connection and shared experience is why Snoop has resonated so strongly. Customers often share their own stories with me — about confidence, ageing, body change — and I think they recognise that Snoop isn’t trying to fix them, sell to them or tell them how to dress. It’s simply there to support them. That shared understanding has been incredibly powerful. Snoop has attracted a wonderfully diverse community. I’m incredibly proud that they feel safe and accepted with Snoop. Clothing should be about expression, confidence and joy — not judgement — and creating that kind of welcoming space has always been important to me.
Do you want to say a little bit about the Keeping Abreast fundraiser back in the Autumn?
I was genuinely delighted when I was asked to be involved in the Keeping Abreast fundraiser. It turned into a truly special event. Nearly all of the models had never done anything like it before and were understandably nervous, but they were incredible. We had so much fun choosing outfits together, and what stood out most was that they were all different — different shapes, sizes and styles — which felt so important. Jane, who organised the event, shared her own journey with breast cancer on the night, and that really set the tone. The sense of support, openness and energy in the room was amazing. It felt like everyone there was united by something much bigger than themselves. To be part of an event that not only raised an incredible amount of money but also helped raise awareness of such an important charity, while bringing people together in such a positive way, was a huge honour. It’s something I’ll always be very proud to have been involved in.
What does it mean to be nominated as Broadland Retailer of the Year in the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards?
Honestly, I’m completely blown away. To even be considered, let alone be named a finalist, feels incredibly special. Snoop was built from such a personal place, often quietly and without any expectation of recognition, so this nomination means more than I can put into words. Being acknowledged by Broadland & South Norfolk District Council feels like a real moment of validation — not just for the business, but for the values behind it. It’s recognition of the care, time and heart that goes into what I do, and of the community that has supported Snoop from the very beginning. I feel immensely proud, grateful, and slightly in disbelief to be standing alongside so many brilliant local businesses.
What are your plans for Snoop Boutique this year?
This year is about growing Snoop in a way that still feels true to why it exists. I plan to take Snoop out on the road more, popping up in different locations across Norfolk so I can bring the experience to more people. I’m also really excited to build on corporate pop-ups, taking Snoop into workplaces and creating something that brings teams together in a relaxed, enjoyable way. It’s about lifting spirits, encouraging confidence, and offering a moment of connection in what can otherwise be very busy working lives. Above all, my focus is on continuing to build Snoop as a community — one that’s welcoming, supportive and rooted in helping women feel comfortable and confident, wherever they are.
Visit Snoop Boutique.
Featured image of Nicky Burgis by James Neale
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