BUSINESS
Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
JESS MARSHALL SHINES AN ARTISTIC SPOTLIGHT THIS AUTUMN ON KENT ’ S INDIE ENTREPRENEURS ...
Platform
© Grace J . Elliott
Lockdown 1.0 meant the realisation of a lifelong dream for Jenny Hattersley and Jack Dent when they took the plunge and rented 27 St Dunstan ’ s Street in Canterbury , beginning their journey to creating one of the city ’ s most well-loved uncommon goods shops . Aiming to create a unique , collaborative space that supports local artists and sustainable makers from all over Kent , they jumped in with both feet , and after a lick of paint ( or two !) Platform was spruced up and ready to entice potential customers with its charm and newly found good looks . Though opening a brick and mortar shop in the midst of lockdown chaos was not the easiest business decision , Jenny and Jack persevered , making use of their down time to grow their online presence and complete their stunning website . With Covid now ( hopefully ) in the rearview mirror , Platform has plans to expand its creative space with the addition of monthly ‘ makers markets ’, wellbeing workshops and even an outdoor classroom where people would be encouraged to gather and learn creative skills together . Asking the pair to pick one thing they love about running a small business proved impossible as they excitedly stated ; ‘ We love everything about it !’
platform-shop . co . uk
platform . shop . canterbury
Cocktail in a Bottle
Lifelong food and drink enthusiast Karl Wozny started down the small business road in 2011 when he opened his very own American Diner in the seaside town of Deal – providing its residents with scrumptious grub and classic cocktails . 10 years later , Karl has moved on from the diner , but in his own words , he ‘ just couldn ’ t let go of the cocktails ’, and so multi-award winning business ; Cocktail in a Bottle was born . Originally created to provide a consultancy service for bars and restaurants , Cocktail in a Bottle underwent an emergency business model revision when Covid hit and Karl made his drinks available for public purchase . Luckily his pre-mixed cocktails have been a hit with tipple lovers everywhere and have been flying off the website both during and post lockdowns ! Known locally as the ‘ cocktail guy ’, Karl has plans to expand into bigger and better retail outlets and start providing cocktail masterclasses to the public , so it is clear that Cocktail in a Bottle won ’ t be slowing down anytime soon . When we asked Karl what he loves about his work , he explained ; ‘ I love being creative . There is always room for new inventions and opportunities and I find that extremely exciting !’
www . cocktailinabottle . co . uk cocktailinabot1 cocktailinabottle cocktailsinabottle
PUSH Designs
Serial creative Dani Woolley had been striving for an outlet for her overflowing passion for years , but it was losing her job at the start of the first UK lockdown that really got her thinking about what was next for her . She realised she wanted to make sustainable textiles that provided customers with goods which would last a lifetime . So she gathered up what little savings she had , dusted off her grandma ’ s old sewing machine and created PUSH Design ( www . pushdesignstore . co . uk ). Just over a year later and Dani has not only succeeded in building PUSH ’ s very own web-store , she has also recruited sister Kirsty – making PUSH a family affair . Running a mindful business is something that has been important to the sisters from day one and their efforts to leave the ‘ smallest ( and kindest ) footprint ’ they can on earth have grown along with their business . With plans to replace recycled packaging with seed paper in the near future , these two women are at the forefront of sustainable small business practices . When we asked Dani why her creative calling had finally been fulfilled she explained ; ‘ I love our customers ! I also love the end product , being able to hold something that you ' ve designed and made is honestly just great !’
www . pushdesignstore . co . uk pushdesignstore
166