Local charity Tree Shepherd has launched a pop-up shop in Brixton Village which is open until Thursday (14 July) selling products from South London home-based and small businesses.
Tree Shepherd works with under-represented groups to help, support and empower them to start businesses or become self-employed. It offers workshops, courses and mentoring.
The pop-up shop is the charity’s second venture this year after the first in April.
It said they give Tree Shepherd businesses opportunities to sell their wares to the community in a traditional shop-front setting.
Feedback from this, and the markets the charity has also hosted, has been positive. Businesses appreciate face-to-face feedback about products that helps them with strategy and confidence.
“Starting a business is hard, finding your customers is even harder,” said Sandra Ferguson, CEO of Tree Shepherd.
“We work with people who have limited access to finance to help kick-start their businesses.
“Despite shops on our high streets being closed or empty, we are finding solutions and giving opportunities to small business owners to have a presence on the high street, which would normally cost tens of thousands of pounds to access.
“This particularly impacts under-represented business owners from growing their businesses to thrive, so we are working towards bridging the gap.
“Opening in an exclusive location is a dream for all makers, and these Tree Shepherd pop-up shops help us build out business and trade,” said Martina from Make It Studio.
Tree Shepherd, founded in 2011, works from GLOWS in Tulse Hill, an affordable co-working space in a former Lambeth council former neighbourhood office.
It has helped more than 900 marginalised people to start businesses, generating over 1,200 new jobs.
The GLOWS space is a joint project between Tulse Hill Estate Tenants and Residents Association, the Tulse Hill Forum, the council and Tree Shepherd.
It also has workspace at Surrey Quays.
Businesses showcased at the pop-up include:
@makeitstudiolondon – quirky kimonos and maxi tote bags
@imazinaturals – vegan natural skincare needs
@heart_in_art-workshops – bright and joyful mosaics
@y_kairos – bright and cheerful sustainable childrenswear
@uappymeappyludi – made to order Ludi boards
@dflicorish – card and board games, and
@scenecoveredmedia – captivating photography
The pop-up shop in Granville Arcade is open from noon to 6pm.
