FROM START-UPS to scale-ups, the seven winners of The Victoria Shopping Centre’s The Bridge competition have big plans for their businesses.
The winners have been announced following a tough competition to secure 6-months rent-free occupancy of a unit at Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre.
We’ve rounded up all of the successful businesses coming to the Victoria Shopping Centre’s The Bridge this month:
Create 98
Combining creative activities with delicious food and drink, Create 98 is an artistic studio offering expert-led workshops and courses.
The business offers visitors the chance to discover new creative passions and indulge in homemade food in a comfortable, social and welcoming environment.
Owner, Alison Cotteridge has big plans for her new unit at The Bridge, and has promised “a beautiful space for ceramic painting and other crating activities”.
Alison is keen to ensure that Create 98 is an accessible experience for all, and has teased workshops starting from as little as £1.99.
‘We're absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to be part of The Bridge initiative. This opportunity allows us to bring something truly special to Southend High Street,” she said.
She added; “We’re also excited to offer unique, personalised craft kits and gifts, perfect for Christmas.”
Alison hopes her unique business idea will help boost the potential of Southend High Street.
She said: “We’re looking forward to helping regenerate our high street and showcasing to the rest of the UK just how amazing the city of Southend truly is.”
The Princess Emporium
Founded in 2017 by trained musical theatre performer and avid Disney fan, Eleanor Warner-Lathe, the Princess Emporium provides character appearances for children’s birthdays and events.
Having started the company as a side project, Eleanor now employs a host of performers who regularly delight youngsters with show-stopping Disney ballads.
“A large part of the magic of our appearances comes from the fact that all of our performers sing live,” said Eleanor.
Adding: “I’ve taken a step back from performing myself as we’ve taken on more and more princesses, but I do still occasionally perform as Elsa – she’s got some of the harder songs to sing!”.
Eleanor employs a range of professional signers and performing arts students, and believes the experience is invaluable in building the skills and confidence of her performers.
She intends to use her unit at The Bridge to create a unique makeover experience where youngsters will be able to receive Disney-style transformations and spend time with their favourite princess.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity to bring a little magic to Southend High Street - this is a natural progression for us after successfully attending parties and running events for nearly 8 years.
“I hope to offer an experience that no one else offers locally and that people love it as much as we do!” said Eleanor.
Dalarna Vintage
Inspired by the London-based boutiques of the 1970’s that she found so exciting to visit, Tessa Hallmann created Dalarna Vintage in the hopes of capturing some of the magic she felt as a child.
She plans to use her unit at The Bridge to curate a shopping experience that conjures a sense of whimsy and creativity for shoppers.
The business owner is motivated to make pre-worn clothes a part of the circular fashion economy as a way of combating the dire effects of the industry on the climate
Tessa also aims to educate visitors on the environmental impacts of fast-fashion.
Tessa is going to use the opportunity of having her own store to showcase her chosen pre-worn, accessories and objects and to highlight the work of various artists and photographers through an ever-changing display on her shop’s walls.
Something About Rose
After giving birth to her first daughter and losing her dad in a short period of time, Kate Gibbon decided she wanted a change in life.
She opened Something About Rose after struggling to find clothes that were stylish and well-fitted in the weeks and months after giving birth – the experience was a huge knock for Kate’s self-esteem.
14 years later, Something About Rose is a successful boutique offering women of all ages, sizes and shapes the chance to feel confident in the clothes they wear.
“My ladies don’t just come in to buy clothes, they come for the whole experience,” said Kate.
She added: “The fashion industry has really changed, and if people want some new clothes they’ll just shop online. We offer something extra to our customers that keeps them coming back”.
Kate claims that many of her customers are now friends, and regularly open about their personal lives during visits.
“The unit in The Bridge is much bigger than any previous spaces we’ve had, and we’re excited to begin expanding our offerings.
“I want to branch out into more lifestyle and wellbeing products too,” said Kate.
Dr Drip
It’s no secret that 90s and 2000s style is in the middle of a massive comeback, and one business taking advantage of this resurgence is Dr Drip.
Specialising in retro streetwear and gothic wear, Dr Drip is the brainchild of Ryan and Daisy Nuttgens.
The small, vintage clothing brand has seen success selling their quirky fashions, and now want to use their unit at The Bridge to create a space for alternative culture in Southend.
“We want to offer Southend a hub for alternative people to showcase their style through fashion shows, clothes swaps and sustainable workshops,” said Daisy.
The couple are keen to involve residents in their new adventure, and are calling on local artists, of all abilities, to create works to be featured in their new store. The winners of the call-out will receive Dr Drip gift vouchers.
Daisy said: “We are so thrilled to win the Bridge competition, it’s been an absolute dream to have a shop to showcase our ideas and the nostalgic clothes we have sourced.
“Our aim is to have the shop up and running as well as competitions and giveaways to kick start our brand”.
Sacred Studios
Founded and owned by registered yoga instructor, Grace Smallman, Sacred Studios is a yoga session provider operating across Essex and London.
The business offers a range of yoga and wellness classes designed to boost overall wellbeing.
Grace, a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is passionate about building community and connection through mindfulness and hopes her new unit at The Bridge will allow her to achieve this goal.
‘I’m over the moon to have won a unit at The Bridge. it's an incredible chance to make wellness even more accessible to our community.
“I can’t wait to welcome new faces and connect with existing clients as we create a warm, inviting space for everyone to unwind, connect, and grow together,” she said.
For Grace, Sacred Studios is more than just a business, allowing her to share her passion with others and provide a respite from the stresses of everyday life.
She said: “As a certified yoga instructor, I’ve found my purpose in helping others discover balance and strength through movement and mindfulness.
“I’m passionate about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and inspired in their wellness journey”.
Sacred Studios will run a range of yoga classes and wellbeing workshops tailored to all ability and experience levels from their new space at The Bridge.
The Thrift Club
The Thrift Club was founded ten years ago by TV fashion stylist, Aline Cabral (known professionally as Lili Wilson) as a way to counter the environmentally harmful practices of the fast-fashion industry.
Today, the business curates a collection of high quality yet affordable clothing and home goods from across the world.
Aline’s new shop at The Bridge will allow the business to bring a new range of vintage designer pieces, high street finds and lovingly reworked clothing items to Southend High Street.
In addition to clothes, The Thrift Club will also stock quirky flea market finds ranging from stylish home accessories to interesting bric-a-brac items.
The Thrift Club defines its mission as “to rescue, wash and upcycle” some of the 30,000 tons of clothes that go to landfill every year.
Aline said: “I can’t believe that I won this competition. It will change my life and bring my business to the next level.”
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