Clair Minto celebrates first year at Chief Stew Shop

Ex-chief stew and owner of Chief Stew Shop, Clair Minto has celebrated her first anniversary running the business.

Minto spoke to Yachting Pages about the difficulties she has faced over the last year running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having worked on board yachts for 15 years, Minto started in 2006 on a sailing catamaran as a cook. She learned quickly, and ended up on Sunseeker yachts in the Mediterranean for seven years of her career. She then progressed to larger yachts as 2^nd stew, and finally chief stew.

In an interview with Yachting Pages, Minto said, “I took over Chief Stew Shop from another former chief stew who had started it seven years ago and was moving on to another career. My goal was to give myself a way to transition into only freelancing/working part time on yachts, instead of full time, as I would like to be able to spend more time closer to family.

“It was interesting to take over during the pandemic, but I think that the whole situation proved that you can do so much online now, and without having to step off the yacht!

“The other problem to overcome was Brexit, as I had registered my business in the UK at a time when companies didn’t want to order anything from the UK, as the new customs charges were becoming a problem. I overcame this by sourcing all of my products in Europe and shipping from a base there instead of the UK, therefore eliminating the need for extra delivery charges or delays.

“In my first year I have dealt with between 70 and 80 clients, most of whom are yachts but also villas, chalets and even one private jet. I have some treasured repeat customers, and my favourite part of the business is helping stews overcome problems sourcing items, and to save them time and hassle as I truly understand how precious time is when you are a chief stew.”

For all your interior supplies, contact Chief Stew Shop.

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