FROM CLICKS TO BRICKS FOR THE SIMPLY SMALL CO
A north east mam has opened her first retail outlet in Newcastle’s Grainger Market after realising her dream of starting her own children’s clothing and giftware company.
Natalie Sullivan, from Hebburn in South Tyneside has opened The Simply Small Co in the historic Newcastle indoor market. The shop which specialises in lovely things for little ones first started as an online business. It opens to the public on Saturday 2 September.
Natalie, who is a former marketing manager for English Heritage, was inspired to start her own business after struggling to find unique and personal clothing and gifts for her own two young children, Samuel 7 and Sally 3.
She explains: “When I had my son, my love of shopping for myself was transferred to shopping for baby and toddler things. I soon found that if I wanted something a little bit different or extra special, I really struggled to find things that didn’t have a designer price tag to match.
When my daughter came along, my passion for shopping was amplified! I like to buy things that are classically designed but also practical and affordable. It was then that I started to think seriously about developing my own children’s brand. I like my children to look nice, but also not having to worry that they might wreck expensive clothing. The motto of the business is ‘let them be little’ and I’ve worked hard to source a range of clothing, toys, nursery furnishings and gifts that are classic, affordable and fun!”
Natalie started her business online in 2016 with the help of Transmit Start Ups who mentored her through a business plan and start up loan. She initially ran it from home while still working and also regularly traded at markets and pop up shops around the North East including the famous Newcastle Quayside Market.
It was on the Quayside where she received lots of great feedback from customers, many saying that she should open her own shop. When the opportunity came up to apply for a unit in the Grainger Market, Natalie grabbed the chance. She left her job and decided to take the plunge into full time entrepreneurship.
“We’ve shopped in the Grainger Market for years” Natalie said. “It’s such an interesting, diverse and historic place. My shop is right next door to the weigh house, and while I’ve been working to get it ready to open, I’ve been surprised by the amount of guided tours and visitors who come into the Grainger Market specifically to learn all about the history of the place. I’ve learned a thing or two while I’ve been cleaning and painting!
In recent years the market has developed with lots of new and exciting food and retail businesses opening up to compliment the traditional market traders. I’ve been welcomed by the other businesses with open arms. There’s a real sense of community in the market and with the investment from Newcastle City Council to conserve and repair the fabric of the building it’s an exciting place to be right now.”
Newcastle City Council have embarked upon a £2.6m capital investment programme within the Grainger Market to improve, repair and refurbish the glazed roof to ensure this important cultural tourist destination is preserved. Work will start in January 2018.
The Simply Small Co Newcastle opens on Saturday 2 September. Selling children’s and baby wear, nursery furnishings, toys and gifts. It is situated in unit 56-57 on Alley 2, next door to the market office and weigh house. For more information visit www.thesimplysmallco.com
