Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
JESS MARSHALL SHINES A LIGHT ON ENTREPRENEURS MAKING THEIR MARK ACROSS THE COUNTY .
BUSINESS
Chloe May
Chloe May Lightfoot didn ’ t simply stumble into owning her very own jewellery business . She started her career as an apprentice for a well-respected jeweller in Hatton Garden before making the decision to travel around Europe and eventually landing her dream job in Paris making jewellery for a multitude of designer brands . After Covid hit , Chloe was made to move back home and started her very own bespoke jewellery business : Chloe May . Despite having travelled far and wide , Chloe finds most of her inspiration closer to home - the Garden of England itself . Her newest collection , The Orchard Engagement Ring Collection , features 10 customisable sparkling engagement rings made in platinum and gold , adorned with diamonds , pink and blue sapphires . But it ' s not just rings on offer ; Chloe May specialises in everything from pendants to cufflinks and with each piece as elegant and timeless as the last , it ' s clear to see that Chloe puts her heart and soul into every handmade creation . With plans to get her revamped website on customers ’ radars as well as expanding her collection early next year , Chloe May will also be looking for an apprentice in the near future , helping another young person take up this incredible trade .
www . chloemayjewellery . co . uk
Chloe May Jewellery chloe . may . jewellery
The Sewing Space
The Sewing Space in Hythe has become a meeting ground for avid sewers across Kent . People from all over congregate to experience a community of like-minded people , partake in all-abilities sewing classes and shop for high-quality fabrics from all over the world . Recently taken over by Claire Lill , after the original owner Angie Anderson retired , it is safe to say that Claire ’ s vision involves keeping Angie ’ s legacy alive while expanding and reshaping the business to fit her personal goals as a business owner . Having worked with Angie for many years , when the opportunity came up to become owner of The Sewing Space , Claire jumped at the chance : “ To me it is not just a shop , it ' s a loving community of avid sewers from all skill ranges . I love being a part of all their projects and achievements and giving back to the community where I can .” With a clear passion for retail stemming from a lifetime of experience , Claire only had one tip for budding entrepreneurs out there : “ Be prepared ,” she says . “ There ' s always so much more involved than meets the eye and you need to allow a good chunk of time for things you have not thought about .”
www . thesewingspace . co . uk
Email : claire @ thesewingspace . co . uk
Eco Aristocrat
Mother and daughter team , Claudette and Daisy Watson founded their company , Eco Aristocrat , on a foundation of strongly held values and a pure adoration of vintage fashion . The duo are equally invested in bringing vintage into the limelight as they are about saving the planet , with a goal of changing the narrative and bringing clothing back to basics - good quality affordable fashion that doesn ’ t come with a giant carbon footprint and a landfill-sized guilt trip . “ We source vintage , retro and pre-loved clothing that tells a story and is just too good for landfill !” The dynamic team have plans to hold several pop-up clothing fairs in the new year and dream of one day having their own sustainable clothing line made using recycled materials alongside their preloved collections . Currently with their first collection live on Depop , as well as a brand-new lookbook perfect for those wanting to browse some retro goodness , the women are looking forward to making Kent fall in love with the fashion , style and vibe of the 70s and 80s . “ Doing something you love is a privilege ,” they say . “ And being able to incorporate this with creating a positive impact for our planet is something we don ' t take for granted .”
www . depop . com / ecoaristocrat Lookbook : linktr . ee / ecoaristocrat ecoaristocrat
195