Maxine Duffus, known as Sheffield’s first Black female bus driver, is stepping into a new chapter of her life after nearly four decades of running her beloved boutique. At 62, she faces the emotional task of closing Maxine’s of Sheffield, a business she opened in 1985, thanks to the earnings from her work as a bus driver. The shop, located on Queens Road, has been a staple in the community for years, but with the lease expiring, it’s time for her to move on.
A Legacy of Breaking Boundaries
Duffus made history in 1983 when she became the first Black female bus driver in Sheffield. At just 22 years old, she took on a role that had been largely dominated by men. This milestone was more than just a job for her—it was a stepping stone toward her entrepreneurial dreams. The job allowed her to save enough money to pursue her passion for fashion and eventually open her boutique.
Reflecting on those early years, she recalled, “Child fares were 2p and adults paid 5p to travel from Commercial Street to Walkley. The conductor walked up and down collecting fares and chatting. It was a different age. It was easier to talk to people.” This experience set the stage for her future in business, helping her connect with the community and fueling her desire to build something lasting.
The End of an Era: Closing the Boutique
After 39 successful years, Duffus announced she would be closing the doors of Maxine’s of Sheffield at the end of the month. Despite her sadness, she sees this change as a natural next step in her life. “I would have liked 40 years in the building, but I’m still going to be working,” Duffus explained. “Things happen for a reason. It’s time to step back.”
The decision to close comes after the building owner decided to sell, leaving Duffus with no choice but to part with the shop. As emotional as this farewell is, Duffus remains optimistic about the future, knowing she will continue to work in a new capacity. “The shop is my third child, and I will be grieving for it,” she shared, reflecting on the deep connection she has with the business.
A New Venture: Embracing Sustainability
Even though the boutique will close, Duffus isn’t retiring just yet. She plans to operate a mobile business offering alterations and repairs. As fashion trends shift towards sustainability, many people prefer to repair or alter clothing instead of buying new. Duffus sees this as an opportunity to breathe new life into garments and continue doing what she loves.
“It’s more sustainable too,” she said. “I love doing alterations and transformations, breathing new life into a garment.” With her extensive experience in the industry, she’s excited to provide a more eco-friendly option for the community and continue her legacy in a fresh way.
Messages of Support
The closure of Maxine’s of Sheffield has sparked an outpouring of support from the local community. “The messages of support have been tear-jerking,” Duffus said. Her connection with her customers is clear, and she’ll always hold those memories close. As she moves forward, her mobile business will give her the flexibility to stay engaged with her customers while continuing to make a difference in the community.
Looking Ahead
Maxine Duffus’s journey from being Sheffield’s first Black female bus driver to a successful boutique owner shows how resilience and hard work can pave the way for new opportunities. While the end of her boutique marks the close of one chapter, it’s clear that Duffus’s story is far from over. Her passion for fashion, commitment to sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit will continue to shine in her new venture.
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