The successful seven beat hundreds of applicants to secure six months rent-free occupancy of a unit at Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre.
We’ve been speaking to the new owners to find out more about them and their hopes for their businesses:
Having thrown open the doors to Create98Two in December, Alison is hoping to build on her hard-earned success. (Image: Create98Two) Create98Two
Create98Two is the second location of Alison Cotteridge’s unique craft café business, with the original venue having been a feature of Leigh Broadway since opening in 2019.
Having thrown open the doors to Create98Two in December, Alison is hoping to build on her hard-earned success.
“So far the interest has been really encouraging. We have had a lot of people passing by over the last couple of days and asking about what sort of things we offer.
“I think the thing we’ll have the most success with here will be ceramic painting and I’ve already had a number of enquires,” Alison said, just days after opening.
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.
The Princess Emporium has been delighting youngsters with princess appearances at children’s parties since 2017. (Image: The Princess Emporium) The Princess Emporium
The Princess Emporium has been delighting youngsters with princess appearances at children’s parties since 2017.
On Monday, the company’s owner, Eleanor Warner-Larthe, will launch her new princess makeover and party venue at The Bridge.
“A princess makeover experience is something that is a bit special and I’m already getting a lot of customers who have had our princesses at their children’s parties and are now looking for something personal, a 1-1 experience that will create more amazing memories,” she said.
Sacred Studios, began taking bookings at The Bridge in early January (Image: Sacred Studios,) Sacred Studios
Yoga space, Sacred Studios, began taking bookings at The Bridge in early January, with a full schedule of sessions and events launching later this week.
The studio is the passion project of Leigh resident, Grace Smallman.
Grace said: “My goal for this space is to make it into more of a community hub for people from all backgrounds who are interested in wellness.
“I think it’s important to make sure everything is accessible and have tried to keep my prices low.”
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.
Specialising in retro streetwear and gothic wear, Dr Drip is the brainchild of Ryan Nuttgens and Daisy Knowland. (Image: Dr Drip) Dr Drip
Specialising in retro streetwear and gothic wear, Dr Drip is the brainchild of Ryan Nuttgens and Daisy Knowland.
The pair hope to capitalise on the massively resurging popularity for 1990s and 2000s clothes and culture.
“We’re definitely hoping to cater to the city’s younger generation because I do think there’s a lack of options for that market.
“Part of that is making sure that our prices are fair and that we’re being really honest with our customers about costs. Affordability is important for everyone but especially young people,” said Ryan.
The Thrift Club curates a collection of high quality yet affordable vintage clothing and home goods from across the world. (Image: The Thrift Club) The Thrift Club
The Thrift Club curates a collection of high quality yet affordable vintage clothing and home goods from across the world.
Owner, Lili Wilson’s new shop at The Bridge will allow the TV fashion stylist to bring a new range of vintage designer pieces, high street finds and lovingly reworked clothing items to Southend High Street.
“Although the process to get here has been long and tiring, we are so happy to have been given such an amazing opportunity.
“It blew my mind when I found out that I was one of the winners. It was a big dream to have my own physical space and has already been very life changing,” Lili said.