CEOLA

Simply but aptly named, The Shop occupies two units at The Normandie Hotel’s quaint Market Place, which already houses gems such as the Paper Based Bookshop and Gillian Bishop’s fine jewellery store.

Conceptualised as a space for local small businesses, artists, designers, and pretty much anyone with a creative passion to be able to showcase and sell their goods, The Shop hosts a variety of locally made treasures. Fashionistas and fashionistos alike can find apparel here from The Cloth, the queen of black and white – Meiling, quirky aprons from Jade Drakes aka Duck Girl and an array of colourful children’s clothing by Lisa Gittens of Sew Lisa.

I was super excited to see Lend & Borough, a line of handmade leather handbags produced by Melissa Darbeau, sunglasses by my girl Sanian of Sanianitos, Mark Eastman‘s appropriately titled ‘Dappered’ collection of…well…rather dapper bow ties, intricate jewellery from Rachel Rochford and wonderful upcycled jewellery from Nature Seekers Craft & Jewellery.

For the foodies there’s local fruit preserves by Terre Benie, who also sells at San Antonio Green Market, packaged saltfish buljol and smoked herring by Oui Cuisine, honey and honey products (I saw some candles I can only presume are made of bees’ wax) by Bede Rajahram, and my favourite cocoa tea and cocoa products from Exotic Caribbean Mountain Pride.

An unexpected surprise was The Palette Project – household items made from repurposed wooden palettes. Sustainable and affordable, I saw quite a few wine racks and some unique shelving options that had a real raw, unpolished feel to them. Very organic and special.

You get the vibe that The Shop is going to be one of those places that provides a new experience every time you visit. One of the owners of The Shop, Charisse Parsons promised to have even more designers and artisans showcased in the future. I’m always happy to see the #SupportLocal movement expand, particularly to brick and mortar establishments. Go check out The Shop when you get a chance!