New local business upcycling sustainable clothing, furniture and more
In our most recent 'Up Close' feature, we have spoken to the local lady behind Phoenix of Stamford, a new clothing and upcycling business born following a series of injuries and illnesses.
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.
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.
Susanne upcycles a range of items, from denim jackets and dungarees to handbags and even larger furniture items. This is where she is supported by her husband, Steve, who is a stonemason and shapes marble and quartz tops for some of her more luxurious items.
Items range from £30, for jackets and other items of clothing, to £300 for larger pieces of furniture, and all are made as sustainably as possible, with items being given a new life by Susanne.
Although it is still early days, Susanne said that Phoenix of Stamford is going steady. She added: "I did my first event, The Rutland Big Sale, at the beginning of the year. I sold many items there and have received some orders generated from that event, as well as selling some items online and via word of mouth and I have some of my bigger items for sale in the local pub and my place of employment, The Red Lion."
Susanne's local, The Red Lion have been stocking some of her creations.
She explained: "Our village pub was taken on by a lovely young family during the pandemic and they are working around the clock to make it what it is today, a cosy country pub with elevated dining. Owner and head chef Frazer has worked previously at the Olive Branch, Clipsham, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, and With Mark Hix in London. He is a marvel in the kitchen and his food is amazing! It would be great for people to pop in, say hi and enjoy some great food."
If you can't wait to head in to The Red Lion and say hi, Phoenix of Stamford can be found on Instagram and Etsy.
Alternatively, Susanne can be contacted on 07540457885.
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