Along with various other disabled and neurodivergent local artists, Ruth, the founder of Cecelia’s Crafts, is selling products in the pop-up store situated opposite Swarovski in Churchill Square.
The idea behind the store stemmed from the owner’s hope of making her passion more accessible for everyone to explore.
The founder spoke on how she left work a few years ago due to disability and decided to turn her passion for crafting into a business that could make a positive difference in the community.
Fellow stalls alongside the artists yarn and homemade plushies include, Secret Projects based in Pulborough who help women across India find employment, as well as Mel & Bing Crafts ran by sisters from Brighton.
The store is focused on UK-made products, aiming to support and spotlight small Sussex independent businesses.
Ruth spoke on how she is using the space to learn what local craft enthusiasts and shoppers are looking for.
“It's just such a nice place and you know it's bright and there's so many people here and we've been having so many people you know come to us and say they want craft shops and they want local small businesses and we found this opportunity”, said Ruth. “It's the first pop-up shop for our business, it's kind of our first big venture to hopefully springboard into other things as well and we just wanted to really connect with loads of people as well to find out what people are looking for.”
The business started with the owner selling her handmade crochet plushies online and at local markets, which has now grown into a business with a much bigger vision.
Cecelia’s Crafts aims to make crafting more accessible to everyone, particularly disabled and neurodivergent people, while supporting small UK businesses and sourcing high-quality craft supplies from UK-based brands wherever possible.
"Alongside our own handmade items and craft kits, we sell a range of craft supplies and items other makers. We have also started taking donations from the local community of fabric that would have otherwise gone to waste, so they can be reused and given a new lease of life whilst reducing the amount of waste”, said Ruth.
"At our pop-up shop in Churchill Square, Brighton, we’re also renting shelves to local crafters to showcase and sell their work, including makers who are disabled or neurodivergent.
"We want to continue to support this community beyond the shop as well.
"This pop-up shop is our first step in what we have planned for the business and the impact we hope it will have. In the future we want to continue to expand availability of different workshops and community groups, bring a variety of crafts to the local community and support local makers.
“For me, Cecelia’s Crafts is about more than selling craft supplies. It’s about building an inclusive crafting community, supporting independent makers and helping more people discover the joy of being creative.”
The founder hopes that in the new year she can expand further and open a permanent store. Cecelia’s Crafts are currently based in Victoria Industrial Estate in Burgess Hill.
The temporary pop-up store, Cecelia’s Crafts, is open until November 30 at Unit 21a, Churchill Square, Brighton.
5. Cecelia's Crafts
The business started with the owner selling her handmade crochet plushies online and at local market, which has now grown into a business with a much bigger vision. Photo: Iconic Media Group