Visit Somerset & Meet the Makers!
In the fourth of our interview series championing local makers, producers and suppliers in Somerset, we meet Rachel from South West Makers in Langport. South West Makers is a gorgeous boutique gift shop featuring 15-20 local creatives who design and make a whole range of unique and colourful gifts. From enamel jewellery to wildlife-themed lampshades, seasonal scented candles to funky mugs, it really is a treasure-trove of discoveries!
I caught up with Rachel to find out how South West Makers started, and how she came to be celebrating and showcasing such a diverse range of local talent.
Hi Rachel! Please tell us how the South West Makers shop came to be...
Early in February I saw an opportunity to take over the Old Register on Bow Street in Langport for 6 weeks. I’ve always loved the idea of having a ‘makers’ shop but it seemed to be a big commitment so the 6 week opportunity really appealed.
When I looked around the space I fell in love with the gorgeous arch windows, the natural wooden shelving and the way the sunlight projected through the space. I knew exactly which makers I wanted to invite to sell there - people I had worked with before or met at markets and other events. Those who do their craft as a business and not just a hobby, with quality made products that are well priced, in that the consumer gets a treat and the maker gets a proper wage from their creations.
When the 6 weeks was due to be up I knew there was an opportunity to extend the lease. I wasn’t sure whether this would be viable as I do have three young children and other commitments as well as my enamel business. I was loving being a part of the Langport community and the response to the shop had been really good with so many people in the area being supportive of local and artisan businesses. We already had repeat customers and I didn’t want to let them down, so I did extend the lease indefinitely.
Wow - 6 weeks to an indefinite lease, that's quite a step! How many makers do you host and what sort of things do they make?
We have around 15-20 makers in the shop - I’m starting to lose count! I want to keep it at this limited number, not only because the space is very small, but also it gives every seller the chance to sell more of their products.
Sarah of Raggy Roux has been with us since we opened. She is well known locally and stitches brooches, cushions and even lampshades with themes of nature and wildlife. Emily of Fused Glass by Emily is another of our popular makers, with her fused glass birds, trinket dishes and wall hangings. We also have laser cut wooden flowers by Natty Deco, alphabet prints by Paper Paint Pixels and a whole lot more to boot.
With so many talented makers and creators in Somerset, how on earth do you select who to host - is there a criteria?
I wouldn't say there's any criteria as such, but everyone I stock is friendly, most run as a business (rather than as a hobbyist) and much of what I choose to stock is colourful as I love colour!
What do you, yourself make and how long have you been doing so?
I am an enameller, so make the earrings, pendants, statement necklaces, stud earrings, some bowls and the odd framed picture. I have been enamelling for around 18 years since taking an evening course whilst studying to be a primary school teacher at uni in Bristol. Since then I 'dabbled' and found my own style and have been running my enamelling business, iamrachelshop, for around 10 years.
Do you host any events or creative workshops that guests staying at Marsh Farm Glamping could attend?
The shop space is very small so I am unable to host workshops here, but some of the makers do host their own workshops in various spaces throughout Somerset.
I will be holding an open evening on Thursday 21st November 2024 along with a Christmas market opposite the shop and intend to organise a couple of open evenings a year. (Event details HERE.)
Do you have any particularly memorable moments from starting the shop up?
Yes, quite a few! That first day when the makers came and dropped their stock off was lovely and setting up the space itself.
The day we took our highest sales during one of the monthly Vintage Markets.
I'm also enjoying working with the community such as the Langport Town Council, the Langport Area Business Group and have recently taken on the running of the Friday Markets.
What do you love most about our local area and are there any hidden gems that our guests should check out whilst they’re here?
I love the people - everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and are very supportive of local businesses and handmade products.
Being in the shop most of the time I am still to explore much of the area but I do love The Parrett Deli and Dine for good food and The Little Bakery for their takeaway hot chocolate and cinnamon swirls. The Friday and Saturday markets are also lovely with a wide variety of stalls changing each week.
That's amazing, Rachel, thank you so much for introducing us to South West Makers! If you plan to visit Somerset and are looking for some unique and enchanting gifts or souvenirs to remind you of your stay, do not forget to pop in and say hello!
You can follow what's on and any news about the shop, as well as events (and also updates on the Langport markets) here...
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