While there might be uncertainty about the future of The Spires shopping centre, independent traders in High Barnet are showing once again that the High Street can be reinvigorated and present appealing options for shoppers.
Three enterprising women have combined their resources in a new joint enterprise, Boutique and Bakes, which offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, jewellery, greeting cards and home-made cakes.
After their first week’s trading, no one could doubt the determination to succeed on the part of this enthusiastic trio – above from left to right, Emma Hawkins, Louise Franco, and Donna Reynolds.
The idea for their joint venture grew out of the friendship they built when trading together at the innovative and experimental Chipping Workshop (at the junction with Moxon Street), which briefly provided a retail outlet for a group of small traders until it was forced to close earlier this year.
Boutique and Bakes has taken over the premises of the former zero-waste shop Kronos and Rhea, opposite the junction with St Albans Road.
It is an amalgamation of their three businesses – Louise Franco’s Portobello Road Princess clothes and accessories; Emma Hawkins’ Trinket Fairy jewellery designs; and Donna Reynolds’ Donna Bakes which now provides customers the chance to book a table to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a cake…as well as offering a range of cakes to eat at home.
Donna has been baking cakes for sale for the last ten years and 18 months ago opened a stall at the Saturday Barnet Market, a business she expanded last summer to take in her stall at the Chipping Workshop, and which is now incorporated into Boutique and Bakes.
During her stint at the Chipping Workshop, she helped out as shop manager for the enterprise and is assisted by her daughter Maddie.
Louise Franco established Portobello Road Princess four years ago and was delighted to have a stall at the Chipping Workshop where she displayed her range of clothes, accessories, candles and greeting cards.
“We all got on so well together. Our friendship gave us the impetus to find a regular outlet where the three of us could each specialise in our individual line of business, and each look out for one another.
“On our opening Saturday Boutique and Bakes was a real crowd puller. We had an amazing day and all week there has been a steady footfall.”
Emma Hawkins’ interest in jewellery making started eight years ago as a hobby when she had to spend more time at home with her son and started specialising in using metals which are hypoallergenic, and which do not cause irritation when worn.
Over the years her hobby has grown to become Trinket Fairy designs offering a range of items including chain maille jewellery.
“I started selling jewellery at markets and through my website.
“My first regular stall was at the Chipping Workshop and now I am selling jewellery and sharing our shop on the High Street with Louise and Donna which is a great experience.”
Emma is amazed at what a difference it makes having a presence on the High Street.
Some of her customers recognise her from years back: as a 16-year-old she used to sell tickets for Barnet Football Club matches at Underhill and is enjoying meeting old friends and acquaintances.
