Meet one of Salisbury’s youngest shop owners

Kellie Gentle, 24, is one of Salisbury’s youngest shop owners after opening Stuff Emporium on Winchester Street, Salisbury this year.

Stuff Emporium is a gift and homeware treasure trove supporting over 40 local artisans, traders and businesses all under one roof.

With an eclectic mix of gifts including homeware, fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, crystals, foods and art the quirky shop offers a unique shopping experience for items you won’t find on the high street.

Kellie has always loved the idea of a shop in Salisbury, and now her dream has come true, she is one of the youngest shop owners in the city.

“From my research, there are quite a few young business owners in Salisbury which is amazing but in terms of shop owners, I am the youngest!

“We have a lot of independent shops here in Salisbury, but nothing quite as different as here. The traders and the stock are always changing.

“Making things is something I have always had a passion for as well as celebrating other people’s talents and crafts.”

Kellie started making her own handmade products at the age of 13 and started selling them six years ago at the Salisbury Teenage Market which was organised by Salisbury City Council.

“It was a great leg up to start building a customer base and I have lots of customers who still visit me today who found me at the market all those years ago.

“Craft and crochet is my passion and this shop is a way to turn that passion of making things, not only for myself but also for other artisans and makers, into a business.”

Stuff is a shop full of inspiration, perfect for shopping for gifts for those ‘hard to buy for’ friends or family members.

“You never know what you are going to find in here – it’s ever-changing and there is always something new and different to discover.”

The youngest creator in Kellie’s shop is Meg, a 13-year-old artist who uses art as a creative outlet.

“Meg, like many makers stocked here, finds art really therapeutic and it is a positive influence on her mental well-being. For many people stocked here, it is their business but it is also a therapeutic outlet and when people buy that product and enjoy and share it themselves, it feels very rewarding,” explained Kellie.

Kellie has five new traders moving into Stuff in the coming weeks and exciting plans for Christmas including late-night shopping and an independent Christmas gift trail.

Keep an eye out on Stuff’s social media for the latest festive updates.

Find Stuff at 31-33 Winchester Street, Salisbury, SP1 1HG. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Monday and Sundays 11am-4pm.

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