Holly & Co

Founder, Holly Tucker MBE
interviewed by Emily Spencer

Holly & Co is an online and offline community which supports, advises and champions the small businesses of the world.

As the founder of the hugely successful ‘Not on the High Street’ online store, what made you decide to set up Holly & Co?

After building and growing NOTHS for over 10 years, I had a unique overview of the small business journey, unlike anyone else has had. I was able to see first-hand that although every creative small business was unique in their offering, in fact, they pretty much went through the same journey. It quickly became clear, that now small businesses had marketplaces to sell (which really didn’t exist before NOTHS), what they actually needed was the more holistic side of things. Someone who could offer business advice for the left side of the brain, a place which gave colourful and practical advice on how to run a business, whilst at the same time inspiring, as well as creating a community of small businesses and a support network, as life as a small business can be very lonely.

Do you feel this new venture is more aimed towards the local resident, or is the internet just as important?

Holly & Co is made up of two parts; the online resource which has global reach, and the Work/Shop; which we call the heart of Holly & Co, which has a more local focus.

Holly & Co online is available to everyone. We’re setting out to be a global resource, that can support, advise and inspire all small businesses. We have a community where people can discuss and network online, a stories library filled with original and curated content designed to inspire, a shop, a blog and a Pharmacy ‘first aid for business’ which is designed to demystify business.

Our physical Work/Shop showcases small businesses and is the first of its kind in the world, each month it reinvents itself to showcase a different artisanal industry. We’ve been the florists, the artists, the bakers…. everything from our products, events and food changes to reflect the theme. It’s a place of inspiration and enables me to really understand what it means to have a retail space on the high street. I’m passionate about championing the independent high street and starting a wider conversation about what needs to change to stop the clone towns, but I also believe in walking the walk (not just talking the talk). Having a physical space has been an eye opening experience for me, particularly having only been online for the past 11 years!

Will there be more shops in the future?

There are no plans to open more Holly & Co shops for now, the Work/Shop will be one of a kind, but we have big plans for Holly & Co…offline as well as online.

The shop has a very local / community vibe, if you plan to expand how will you retain this?

I believe you can take that feeling you receive offline and amplify it online. I’m firmly committed to the mission (always have been) in ‘scaling the unique’. It’s certainly not easy and most brands never achieve it. However, if you continue to have the goal of finding this magical formula at your heart, I believe the path won’t see you do much wrong.

What is your one piece of advice for anyone considering opening their first business?

Trust your gut! I’ve paid the price every time I decided to ignore it, or look the other way!

What are the current trends in the marketplace and do you see these changing anytime soon?

More and more I’m seeing people buy into the stories behind pieces. We went through a phase that continues, where all that matters is the hard side of retailing – price, service and delivery. I think we are now entering a period, where people care far more about the origin of what they’re purchasing. They are looking to engage, rather than continue on a vacuous journey of accumulating things.

Technology has given us more time back in our lives, and yet we all seem to have a compulsion in using that time to go faster. I think we’re now all waking up to a need to allocate some of that time to things that make us feel human, these include experiences, stories and origin.

Which brands are you most excited by and why?

  • NOTHS – excited to see what the next 10 years bring and how it will lead the way when it comes to selling products made by small businesses, within the freelance economy.
  • FREDDIES FLOWERS – I love watching the success of good subscription businesses.
  • GRAIN & KNOT – we’re now living in a time where hand-carving spoons for a living is possible. This passion for niche is what makes me get out of bed in the morning and grow Holly & Co.

Where have your biggest influences come from?

I’m influenced by ‘small’, and as I feel like I’ve not got every qualification going, when it comes to the inner workings of small businesses, it’s the nuggets of gold that I come across, right from the grassroots of these makers, entrepreneurs and taste makers that influence me the most. They always have.

Did you find that already owning a successful business created a springboard for the new company?

I built NOTHS over 10 years because I fundamentally believe in the importance of shining a light on small creative businesses. They bring colour to the every-day grey, and their power is set to grow as the freelance economy really takes hold.

There is no doubt that as the co-founder of a brand like NOTHS, as well as UK Ambassador for Small Creative Businesses, plus being awarded my MBE, doors have certainly been opened to me that would have been shut first time around. However, I have also been aware that all eyes have been on me this time as I launched Holly & Co, it certainly isn’t for the faint hearted!

Where do you see the brand in 10 years time?

Holly & Co will continue to go from strength to strength, I have no doubt of that. Its heart is one of seeking to do good, coupled with a fantastic team who believe in the mission as strongly as I do. With a strong and beautiful brand, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. The beauty in Holly & Co, is that it’s scalability is based on the community and people engaging with us. The bigger our community, the stronger our voice. A company built on these foundations is a powerful force to be reckoned with.

holly.co

Yolk

Founder, Nick Philpot

interviewed by Katherine Hajiyianni

Luna Mae London

Founder, Claudia Lambeth

interviewed by Charlotte Roberts

The Vurger Co.

Co-founder, Rachel Hugh

interviewed by Tracey Pollard

The Marshmallowist

Founder, Oonagh Simms

interviewed by Emily Spencer

Founded by Oonagh Simms who was inspired by the Parisian’s passion for the confectionery treat, the Marshmallowist is the first producer of gourmet marshmallows in the UK. After studying as a chocolatier in Paris, what made you decide to focus your business in producing marshmallows? Well, I originally trained in…

The Swallow Bakery

Founder, Andrew Thomas

interviewed by Charlotte Roberts

The Swallow Bakery is a handcrafted artisan bakery and cafe, founded by Andrew Thomas who has taken influences from Australia, America and Scandinavia. You came from a fashion background, why did you choose to open a bakery? I guess you could have asked the similar question to Irvine Sellar, he…

Randy’s Wing Bar

Co-founder, Richard Thacker

interviewed by Dominic Tixerant

Inspired by North America and created in London, Randy’s Wing Bar launched in 2013. At what point did the idea turn from a concept into a reality? The idea turned into reality on our launch night when 200 people came through the doors of the pub where we did our…

Pampelone

Founder, Holly Anna Scarsella
interviewed by Emily Spencer

Born from a love of people watching the most glamorous women of the Riviera. Pampelone is the epitome of effortless chic beachwear style.

As a young startup, what has been the hardest thing to deal with?

The fact that it never stops…ever. I sometimes describe the feeling as being on a treadmill and not being able to get off. It’s relentless when you’re building a brand, but also the best thing I’ve ever done.

The business started life on the internet, does the internet make it easier for new brands to develop due to limitless exposure or is it harder as there is no room for mistakes?

Both. The barriers to entry are very low, therefore it’s very easy for anyone to launch a brand, however the internet is a very big place. In order to get noticed you have to work a LOT harder to reach your customers. I also think it’s the same with Social Media. We’re so lucky in this generation that we have these incredible marketing tools, but they have to be used correctly and intelligently to work.

The products are beautifully designed how do you ensure consistency as you grow the brand?

We put a huge amount of time, effort and budget into getting our collections just right. We speak to our customers regularly and carry out a lot of research to check we’re on the right path. From a consistency and quality perspective, we actually have team members on the ground in India overseeing our manufacturing process. This is KEY for us in ensuring all our products reach us in perfect condition.

Do standalone retail units feature in the growth plan for the business?

Absolutely! We’re actually planning a boutique in Notting Hill/ Chelsea over the next few years. We do small pop-ups currently worldwide, but can’t wait to see our brand brought to life through a store.

What are your current plans for your brand?

In the coming season, we have some very exciting plans. We are launching our first ever children’s collection in conjunction with m2m charity, and we are also launching an exclusive pair of sunglasses…watch this space!

Your one piece of advice for anyone considering starting a high end fashion brand?

Be tenacious and be smart in all aspects of the business. Spend time perfecting your product but always remember that marketing is key. There is no point having the best product in the world if no one knows about it…

www.pampelone.com

Kalimera

Founder, Télémaque Argyriou

interviewed by Alex Mann

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Founder, Hugh Wolton

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Founder, Jeremy Simmonds

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SØRENSEN

Founder Wayne Sorensen

interviewed by Emily Dumbell

A British fashion brand inspired by artists, drivers and butchers. Wayne Sorensen began working on SØRENSEN in 2015 and was inspired by the work ethic of archetypal professions. What have been the main contributors to your brand’s success? I found myself surrounded by an amazing group of individuals who are…

London Grace

Founder Kristen Hazel

interviewed by Alex Mann

Upon returning from New York, founder Kristen Hazel wanted to create a nail bar with quality products and convenient hours. London Grace has become an award winning nail bar, cafe and bar with their own collection of free-from nasties nail polishes. What is your background and how did it lead…

Pergola on the Roof

Founder Charlie Gardiner

interviewed by Alex Mann

Designed as a vision of the Mediterranean, Pergola on the Roof is a piece of sunny European escapism. Pergola on the Roof was inspired by founder, Charlie Gardiner’s love of European al fresco dining. Where have your biggest influences come from? My biggest influences in terms of Pergola on the…

Kricket

Co-founders Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby
interviewed by Alex Mann

Kricket was formed by Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby, a former chef at The Cinnamon Club in Westminster. Now located in Pop Brixton, serving seasonal and stylish British-Indian small plates and cocktails.

What is your background and how did it lead you to starting up Kricket?

We became friends whilst at university in Newcastle. Will had always wanted to be a chef and went on to train under Rowley Leigh at Le Cafe Anglais. He then took a Head Chef job in Bombay, India for two years where he developed a look and knowledge for Indian food. I worked in the City at Deloitte, Corporate Finance for 3 years before leaving in December 2013 with an ambition to do my own thing. Will returned to London in early 2014 and we decided to do something together – this is when Kricket was born as an idea. It took another year until March 2015 when we found Pop.

You have started in Brixton, how important is location to Kricket and your concept?

Everybody knows Brixton has been on the up over the last 5 years, but in fact it has still had a long way to go. Despite the large number of F&B traders, there is still room for more, particularly better quality and destination restaurants.

You have achieved some incredible reviews from top food critics, what do you put this down to?

The quality of our food and service and the team behind it. We have so many regulars and repeat customers. This is the best form of promotion.

What did you learn from setting up a pop up restaurant and how will you implement the lessons in the restaurant?

You learn the basics when setting up a pop up. It’s about building on these when taking the next steps to scale your business. Surrounding yourself with a core team who you trust is incredibly important otherwise you can put yourself in an early grave.

How important has POP Brixton been to the success of Kricket?

POP has been a great platform for us to test and promote Kricket. In relative terms it was inexpensive to set up a 20 cover restaurant in prime Brixton with a thriving customer base on your door step. Also, being part of a larger community means much of the admin is taken away from us so we can fully focus on the food and service. It’s also great to be surrounded by other driven and successful people in the industry.

What are your future plans for Kricket?

Our current plan for London is five in five years in all the hot spots, but you never know. We also have an international element which we are excited about.

Frame

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Founder and CEO, Georgia Cummings

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interviewed by Tracey Pollard

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The italian super-brand's hometown flagship
by Thea Rowe

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On the far end of Via Montenapoleone, anchoring this luxury street sits Spazio Armani, the Armani multi concept flagship store.  It covers three floors and a total surface area of 11,646 ft².  This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Giorgio Armani brand and to mark this milestone the store has been re- designed by Giorgio Armani himself and his team of architects.

The ground floor is dedicated to womenswear (apparel and accessories), the floor above to menswear and the top floor is reserved for “made to measure”, with suits from the men’s collection. Further to this, the store showcases his beauty collection, homeware, a book store and the Armani Café. This store symbolises Armani’s incredibly strong brand presence and with its recent refurb and brand anniversary we can see that Armani only looks to the future!  What better year to visit Milan then the year of one of its most famous designer’s major anniversary.

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I first stumbled across Black Barn Winery in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay in 2011. It was a chance encounter but it was one of those perfect moments. Most wineries in Hawkes Bay keep it simple with a cellar door where you sample some of the best wines that New Zealand…

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An unassuming entrance in Soho leads to a trove of unique products.

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The Apartment is the joint innovation of Creative Director Morgan Wendelborn and stylist du jour Vanessa Traina. The group brings together a collection of extremely well-compiled lifestyle products presented in the setting of an unassuming Apartment. The entrance is via a self-effacing entrance that sits amongst high profile and luxury…

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by Nigel Gillingham

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Hay is committed to nurturing young talent as well as exploring the fantastic imagination of established designers. Uncomplicated and functional, Hay captures the essence of Danish design, which is echoed in their incredible fit outs. This is an eclectic store dressed as a house of various rooms including dining room, lounge etc with a full range of homeware products including china glass, soft furnishings, but also quirky gifts.

With Brissi, India Jane and the new Anthropologie store, Bath is feeling more and more like an extension of the Kings Road and Chelsea every day. They have already opened to rave reviews from the shopping public and hope they are going to do more stores in other similar towns.

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by Ed Corrigan

Palomar, London

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by Nigel Gillingham

Rapha worldwide retreats

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by Rupert Bentley-Smith

UK Cycling is now reportedly worth a massive £2.9bn, and is a huge factor in the lifestyles of many. Bruce Gillingham Pollard has experienced first hand the growth of cycling, witnessing the emergence of a number of concept stores, and in addition, new more targeted bike shops such as Look…

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Male grooming at Aveda, Covent Garden

The modern man's grooming experience

by Ed Corrigan

Modern men’s hairdressing is dominant in London now with the rise of Pankhurst, Murdock, Ted’s Grooming Room, and rumours of ‘peak beard’ abound. Usually masculine surroundings with leather, dark wood and musky aromas generally being the order of the day, these businesses are fundamental in changing the way that men…

Circus, Covent Garden

A Christmas party venue with a kick
by Leanne Bradley

It’s that time of year. Christmas feels like a life time away but it’s actually round the corner, the diary is filling up (if not full) and we are tasked with organising festive ‘catch-ups’ with people we hardly ever see or see every single day. Then there is the office party, and finding a venue in London can be a logistical nightmare at the best of times, but at Christmas this pressure intensifies and of course we have all been waiting a year for this?! The usual hideouts are local pubs, bars and restaurants or there’s the elaborate company-wide ball. Let’s face it, whatever the function, we are sometimes forced to spend time with people we wouldn’t otherwise and in uninspiring venues dotted around London.

With this in mind, we recently went on a team night out to ‘Circus’, not the type of circus that would spring to mind but a cool cocktail bar and cabaret restaurant located in the heart of Covent Garden. Not your typical Christmas party scene but definitely one we would recommend. The restaurant boasts an elegant pan Asian menu, whilst the bar offers an extensive and exotic list of cocktails. The venue, glamorous and stylish is synonymous with its surroundings, capturing the theatrical atmosphere of the West End.

During each course there are a range of enticing, exciting acrobatic performances that grip the whole audience. We were sat on the table, or to be precise the actual stage, which meant we felt part of the whole evening. Performers often interact with the onlookers, and it was great to see certain colleagues blush! All in all, this beats the dull set menu or smelly pub next to the office any day and it would be hard not to be subject to lots of fun!

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A former cave, turned secret studio packed full with design wonders

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by Rupert Bentley-Smith

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by Harry Wills

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Recently dubbed, by GQ as ‘The Coolest Street in America’

by Nigel Gillingham

This is an absolute ‘must see’ for the wannabe retail expert going to LA!  This relatively long and standard, narrow two-sided street is home to some very cool independent brands. My favourite is Junk Food which has just opened and is a fabulous store fit-out selling urban unisex fashion. Recently…

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Hudson Yards opens in phases from 2017 and includes 14 acres of public realm
by Nigel Gillingham

Sitting between Chelsea Market (Meat Packing district) and Clinton (Hell’s Kitchen), Hudson Yards is a 17 million sq ft development. This mixed use scheme will include commercial, residential, state-of-the-art office towers, more than 100 shops and 20 restaurants. Further to this, there will be approx. 500 houses, 750 seat school and 150 room luxury hotel. This will all be set within stunning gardens and public realm.

I met the President of retail leasing, Webber Hudson who gave me a very thorough overview of the scheme. It reminds me of Canary Wharf with its aspirational tenant mix, quality of public realm and aspirations to combine residential and commercial. The retail elements will include 7 levels of shops and restaurants for some of New York’s finest shops, a bespoke mix of independent and niche retailers.

The catering will also include “The Kitchens” which is inspired by market places and food halls of Europe, as well as local independents and emerging brands.Hudson Yards opens in Phases from 2017 and includes 14 acres of public realm with a massive new tree lined boulevard heading north into Clinton. A site well worth visiting as its sure to be an inspiration of the future.

http://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/

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Set in a rural location in Herefordshire, Baileys sells a wide range of homewares from kitchen equipment, lighting, 1930’s Bathrooms, sofas and vintage milk bottles. Located in a series of farm buildings called the Threshing Barn, Stable tack room and Loft, the retail offer has developed to include a café…

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