A local clothing and accessory shop has moved into a new home in Stamford.

Phoenix of Stamford, an independent shop that launched in the area less than 12 months ago, has moved into the Stamford Corn Exchange Cafe and Shop.

Stamford Corn Exchange hosts local businesses as well as productions and community events. Image credit: Nub News.

Business owner Susanne Kent, 39, launched Phoenix of Stamford late last year after suffering an injury at work that left her unable to work. 

Susanne's story begins a few years earlier though, when she and her family moved to Lincolnshire just before the pandemic. 

Susanne explained: "Looking for a better quality of life, myself and my family made the move from Essex to Lincolnshire just before the pandemic hit. We were so grateful to be in the countryside and enjoying the beautiful surroundings while following the Covid rules. 

"Unfortunately though, my partner contracted covid quite severely and he was unable to work for a good 6 months. Although he was still suffering from long covid, he got better and things seemed to be getting a bit more back on track."

Disaster struck the family once again though, when Susanne had an accident at work, suffering a broken foot that required surgery. 

On crutches and undergoing physio, it was now Susanne who could not work. 

Susanne began working on these projects following a broken foot. Image credit: Phoenix of Stamford.

She said: "It was a while after my accident whilst I was sitting at home, I decided to work on some 'projects' upcycling furniture and playing around with materials I had never worked with before. I found a love for reworking pre loved clothing items. 

"I created my first reworked denim jacket and a friend saw it and asked to buy it from me, I was such a lovely feeling. This made me realise that there could be a business in this. I could work from home, creating pieces and breathing new life into old items."

Phoenix of Stamford has risen from the ashes of a difficult few months for Susanne, who now works part-time building her business and part-time at The Red Lion in West Deeping. 

Pick up some new goodies at Phoenix of Stamford. Image credit: Phoenix of Stamford.

Susanne upcycles a range of items, including denim jackets and dungarees as well as stocking handbags and a collection of accessories.

She has recently welcomed new stock, including goodies from as little as £6.50.

Bag a one-off upcycled garment. Image credit: Phoenix of Stamford.

Susanne loves being at her new home in the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, saying: "There are lots of other traders who have united there too and there a lovely lady who mans all the units for us when open. I just go down to top up stock and make sure it's all in tip top shape."

Browse Susanne's stock and other goods from local traders. Image credit: Phoenix of Stamford.

If you can't wait to head in to the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Cafe and Shop and say hi, Phoenix of Stamford can be found on Instagram and Etsy.

The opening times are:

9am - 4pm, Monday - Thursday

8am - 4pm, Friday

9am - 5pm, Saturday

Alternatively, Susanne can be contacted on 07540457885.

Do you like something a bit unique? Image credit: Phoenix of Stamford.

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