By David Cowell
If determination and passion guaranteed success then I have no doubt that The Sandgate Trading Co will be a resounding retail triumph. Its proprietor, Nikki Wilson, has been planning the venture since she and her husband Paul returned to Sandgate two years ago and she has found inspiration in the seaside village they love.
From her workroom at the back, Nikki crafts and fashions most of the items she sells in the shop from serendipitous finds on the beach and surrounding woodlands. Others she buys in but their eco credentials are scrutinised and wherever possible she buys from British sources. All are displayed in two rooms whose interior design reflects the creative nature of the owner.
Whether it's a long planned anniversary or a last minute panic, The Sandgate Trading Co will probably have the answer. Arts and craft, furniture, lotions and potions, candles, jewellery and retro vintage items can all be found in this veritable haven by the sea. The greetings cards are made from sustainable sources and her fascinating carrier bags have been constructed from recycled newspapers.
"I first tested the demand for my products at the twice monthly Farmers' Market held at the Chichester Memorial Hall" said Nikki, "and the result convinced me that there was a need for such a shop in Sandgate". I asked Nikki how will she know if her hopes and aspirations are realised and she replied, "It will be when The Sandgate Trading Co becomes a relevant part of the Sandgate community". You can't ask for more than that, can you?
The Sandgate Trading Co can be found at 78 Sandgate High Street. Sandgate, Kent CT20 3BX
Contact details: Nikki Wilson 01303 226610 Email: wnikkiwilson@hotmail.co.uk
David Cowell 01303 257022 email: david@davidcowell.net
David Cowell
This is part of my website The Folkestone Gerald that I built in a fury of excitement when I first came to Folkestone sometime in '04. I had been a regular visitor for a while before that but I am technically one of those Down From Londons you get nowadays. This site was updated more frequently with a calendar of events + voting for favourite places + things, and I know it was a useful resource for those who were moving to the area. Now I've moved out of Folkestone again (though only to Hythe) it doesn't get as much love as it used to. Ironic really as The town is now becoming the exciting place we knew it was just about to. I am not Gerald by the way, the name comes from a pretend paper in an episode of Brasseye or something, the Portsmouth Gerald, + how there is a local paper here called the Folkestone Herald. Puns like this are great aren't they? Do get in touch if you have something to offer, email anythign @ this domain, or try @folkestone or @pauly on the twitter.