Alina creates welcoming shop for traders to sell their wares
IN 2018 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and also discovered I have some degenerative issues at the bottom of my spine.
I started looking into alternative options to help me change my lifestyle and manage pain.
I spent many hours investigating alternative medicine, holistic therapy, herbalism, Ayurvedic herbalism and skincare. Skincare was something I looked into from 2011, when I had to see several doctors and dermatologists for my skin. Unfortunately some of the products they prescribed made my situation worse. I stopped using anything fragranced or perfumed.
In 2022 I had my son and stopped working. When he was nine months-old I decided to create an online page and start practising what I had learned. With little money left after getting divorced, I bought some materials, ingredients and paid for cosmetic assessments to start making and selling my own skincare products.
There's a good variety of products in the shop
Aromatherapy oils
Alina in her shop
Online interest and following took a while to build up so I started taking part in events and markets. Some refused my attendance because I had to bring my son along, while others took a lot of effort and money. Even with my son starting nursery, returning to work as a single mum is not an option as I have nobody to look after him if the nursery is closed or he's poorly. Also, I wanted him too much to work just to pay for childcare and rarely see him.
Through events and networking I met some amazing people with similar issues that led them to run their business from home. Many had closed due to lack of sales and related mental health issues. That's how the idea of opening a small business collective came to me - what if I bring several businesses under one roof so we can help each other?
I applied for a loan and also reached out to different people with businesses I've bought from or met through my social events. I offered them a space in the shop for a small fee. Their payments go towards paying bills and any other related shop expenses. Many agreed to join me months before I even got the keys.
I came across the shop in Shipley, where I had lived for ten years. When I saw it I got a good feeling. The street is nice with mainly female-run businesses and as a spiritual person it called to me.
Colourful scarves in the shop
Trader Susan Brophy with a crocheted shawl she made
Alina in her shop
When I finally got accepted for the loan I only received half of the requested and required amount, which meant most of the work I had to do myself.
A couple of friends and my nephew came to help for a few hours, which made it easier. However, the loan got me into debt, especially as I had to limit my expenses. My eldest brother sent me some money to help but it has been a struggle. At the moment I'm looking into grants and maybe another loan to finish the work and display of the shop . Even so I am proud of myself and what I've achieved so far.
I make a variety of skincare products such as soap, body butters, face and body oils, hemp and magnesium balms and aromatherapy oils. Most of my ingredients come from The Soapery, which is a British supplier of natural ingredients for cosmetics.
I have people of all ages, mainly women, and from all over the UK, sending their products to me. People sell bath and body products, jewellery, crystals, scarves, resin and polymer decorations, 3D printing, children's clothing, crochet and many personalised gifts.
One of the crafters in the shop is using her stock to raise money for Cancer Research UK. After recovering from breast cancer she started using her talents for the cause and so far she's raised £12000. Another charity we have is the Rotary Club of Shipley - they use their proceeds to help the local community.
I have two mothers who have SEN children, who work their business around their care.
I have a single mother-of-three who was widowed during her pregnancy with her youngest, so her business had to be designed around caring for them.
A display inside the shop
Alina's Gifts in Shipley
Another look inside
Several of us suffer with chronic pain, some have social anxiety and is hard for us to find a job that accepts us with our commitments and issues.
The shop is a lifeline for many of us. Some of the people have actually made more sales through the shop than on their own. Some were thinking of closing down before they joined. For some having something to do and creating something is so important for their mental health - they see it as an opportunity to keep creating and not give up.
I hope I managed to bring opportunities for everyone involved.
The shop is an important part of my life and I want it to succeed. It allows me to work at my own pace, engage and interact with people while still being able to spend time with my son.
We also host workshops in crafts such as origami and crochet, which are very popular.
Working in the shop is such a joy for me, it has a calming vibe and I really enjoy it. Having my son with me while being able to do something is such a relief too.
*Alina's Gifts, 29 Westgate, Shipley BD18 3QX; visit Alina's Gifts on Facebook and Instagram
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