SHOP INDIE: Handmade High Street : PART1

Hello dear friends,

We are very excited to bring back our Indie Shop post back!

Today we have the great pleasure to share with you a little interview and visit to Handmade High street where I met with the super lovely Kath Chown!

A Huge thank you to  Kath for taking some time from her very busy schedule to have a little chat with us about what makes Handmade High Street such a great Indie destination in Brisbane!

1.    Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open Handmade High Street?

I have worked in retail on and off since I was 15 and from the moment I stepped behind the counter I loved it. My dream has always been to open my own store but I was increasingly put off by larger companies who seemed to dominate in sales and the customer share. In the last few years since the GFC I started to notice a pleasing trend of customers returning to the ‘high street’ rather than predominantly shopping in large shopping centres. I think people felt like they were returning to a more honest and sustainable way of shopping which was also a great way to get to know your local community and support smaller businesses.

With my friends Benjamin and Ryan, we had always talked about opening an artist space which would support others to do what they loved. We tossed up between a practical theatre space, an office block which could double as artist workshops and finally decided on a store which could support artisans and crafters in Brisbane.

On 1^st December 2012 we opened a shop with heart and that put the community and artists first.

2.    Tell us what Handmade High Street is all about?

We rent spaces to artisans and crafters and return 100% of the profits to them. We like to work with an artist to make sure they are well-equipped with the knowledge to make their crafty business a success.
We also offer a small amount of spaces to underprivileged members of the community. They have the opportunity to showcase their handmade products in a rent-free space for 3 months. After this time they can opt in to a paid space if it has been successful.

3.    How do you promote Handmade High Street?

We advertise through a few select publications which suit our brand (Peppermint and MAP Magazine) and through Madeit.com.au. Our main promotions are through our social media sites; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. We also have a blog which is updated weekly.

We host special events on the strip including the Annerley Junction Jumble Sale in the middle of the year and Junction Fair at Christmas. We also set up the Annerley History Group to find out more about the history of our area to spark interest in locals to come back up to the shopping strip.

4.    What is your favourite item in the shop at the moment?

A recent addition to Handmade High Street is Candykins Crafts who makes the sweetest felt and embroidery dresses which are made into brooches. It’s like wearing a paper doll dress on your collar – just too sweet!

5.    What’s in store for HandmadeHigh Street in 2013 and beyond?

We are always changing and thinking of new ideas, new events and groups to join communities together. This year has already seen a huge number of projects undertaken by the team here so we can only assume there will be more to come!

6.    Do you run or plan to run any craft workshops at Handmade High Street.

We will be co-hosting the Junction Yarn Jammers at the Annerley Community Bookshop this Monday 17^th June and over the course of the year. The group aims to give community members a space to knit or crochet with the aim to give the creations to charity groups in the form of blankets and clothing.

Ph: 0432 307 300

Address: 1/466 Ipswich Rd, Annerley QLD 4103

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Or you can visit:

SHOP Hours: 

Mon 10am – 4pm

Tue 10am – 4pm

Wed 10am – 4pm

Thur 10am – 4pm

Fri 10am – 5pm

Sat 10am – 4pm

Thank you again so much Kath for this little interview!

I totally loved learning a little more about what makes Handmade High street such a special Indie shop in Brisbane.

Handmade High Street is filled with amazing unique creations from local artists and designers and highly recommended  handmade shopping destination!

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All images are Courtesy of Sandrine Marsh Photography via ImageInCafe.

A little PART 2 will be coming up with some more infos about Handmade High Street....
So stay tuned!

Have a fabulous day!

Sandrine ❤