I recently went along to the “Christmas/thank you/closing down/every thing must go/kiss kiss mwah mwah sale” (her words not mine!) at Zoe Brewer’s pop-up shop. New Windows on Willesden Green is a regeneration project, which turned Queen’s Parade from a row of empty shops into a thriving part of the community.
Meanwhile Space negotiated a rent-free lease with the landlord and worked with The Architecture Foundation and Blue Consulting, to find new businesses and ideas to fill the eight vacant units. One of those lucky business was My Interior Stylist aka Zoe Brewer, and so My Pop Up Design Shop was born – and what a transformation!
Zoe said, “I’m very lucky to have secured my own little temporary creative space and shop. It’s every girl’s dream to have a shop, right?!” During her time there she sold furniture and interiors accessories from her favourite designer-makers, ran workshops for crafty kids and grown-ups alike, and offered interior design and styling advice saying, “I believe the love of styling and interior design is something that should be accessible to all.”
Other businesses include Floral & Hardy, a gardening shop run by local charity Elders Voice; Jardins D’EDEN , selling hand made soap and essential oils; Paint Mine, offering website and graphic design services; Vintage Green, specialising in vintage clothing and styling; and The Unlimited Print Shop , with screen printing workshops. Within just two months of opening, Queens Parade was voted one of London’s nine best shopping locations by Time Out readers.
All the shops offer something different from what’s already available in the area, and they all provide workshops, advice or training for the local community. The lease has now been extended until March 31st, and there are currently three shops available for more new businesses to step bravely into Zoe’s shoes and try their hands at shopkeeping.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- out and about :: columbia road
- out and about :: east london design show
- out and about :: cockpit arts christmas open studios
- out and about :: white pencil symposium and mini moderns pop-up shoppe
Bloody brilliant and inspiring, I want to go there. Thank you for bringing these places to our attention. X
Thanks Katie. It was a great experience and one I encourage others to try if they can. This is a lovely little reminder of a crazy but fun little moment in my life. Thank you.x