My neighbourhood Kings Heath, Birmingham
A BUSTLING BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY FILLED WITH VIBRANT SHOPS PROVES THAT THE SUBURBS ARE WHERE IT’S AT
In the past the suburbs have had something of a reputation for mediocrity, but no more! As creatives in cities move out to the ’burbs, they’re no longer just settling down, but setting up shop, too. This means some of the best small businesses are now just a stone’s throw from suburban streets.
Allison Sadler and her husband Christian opened their shop, People, 20 years ago in Kings Heath, just a few miles from Birmingham city centre. “When we opened, not only was there nothing like us around here, but the whole idea of a lifestyle shop, selling fashion, gifts and anything we loved, was almost unheard of,” explains Allison.
“We only had £1,500, but we had the same dreams and drive, and knew we could make it work. The shop is a reflection of us and changes as we do. It’s a proper family business, every decision is a family decision – although obviously I get the last say!”
The couple, along with their son Milo, 22, and daughter Missy, 18, live around the corner, renting a three-storey end-of-terrace house. “We owned a house ten years ago, about ten minutes down the road, but the recession hit and I hated the level of responsibility that came with a mortgage,” explains Allison. “I much prefer renting because I’m a free spirit. When we finally decide it’s time to make the big move to Cornwall, we can just go – no strings attached.”
For now, Allison is more than content staying put and, as she sits at the kitchen table with the light streaming in, you can see why she wouldn’t want to move. “Like most homes, the kitchen is the heart of the house. Music is always playing and a lot of dancing and drinking cocktails goes on.
“It’s a social space. We talk about design, work, life – everything. I’ve had the dining table for 25 years and the kids have scribbled on it, we’ve baked at it, started a business there – I can’t ever get rid of it. Whenever I get tempted, I just paint the legs another colour and fall in love with it again.
“The whole house has white and cream walls because I treat it as a blank canvas. I prefer to paint my furniture and change the cushions, prints and candles. »
“I JUST PAINT THE TABLE LEGS ANOTHER COLOUR AND FALL IN LOVE WITH IT AGAIN”
“I probably change things every two or three years. Styling wise, though, it could be more often, because that’s what I do for a living. I can’t help myself. I use washi tape to put up pictures because it doesn’t leave marks and the patterns add to the look while being easy to change with my mood.”
To furnish her house, Allison heads to antique and charity shops. “The cupboard in the corner of our bedroom may have only been £15, but it came with such a story,” she explains. “The woman who owned it before us was a seamstress who had survived the holocaust. When we opened the cupboard, it had all her patterns, pins and fabric still in it. The colour isn’t one I’d choose, but because of the story, I just couldn’t change it.”
Down the hall is Allison’s workspace where she dreams up new projects. “I’m in here most days planning, making and designing,” she says. Alongside running People with Christian, Allison has created numerous online communities from the Make It Sewcial crafting community to The Rebel Woman’s Club.
However, Allison’s work had to be put on hold last year, while she recovered from surgery. “I wasn’t well over the summer and I had major surgery and some life-changing stuff going on,” she says. “When I came home from hospital, the house was a sanctuary. It’s such a safe, comfortable place to be. I couldn’t have had a better place to heal.”
Allison also admits that her time recovering changed not just her outlook on life, but the feel of her home. “I’ve had a bit of a spiritual awakening, and I think that’s quite obvious in our home and our shop. Things have changed. I have changed. And it’s reflected in how we’re living. Everything is very bohemian, very holistic. I’ve always been a rebel, but now it’s coming through softer.”
The comfy lounge filled with incrediblesmelling candles, squishy cushions and artwork – including things they have made and framed pages torn from magazines – is an inviting and calming space, and Allison wants to start inviting people in to share her sanctuary. “I’m a real nurturer and I love the online community I’ve built. I want to bring people together, whatever their background, and this is a great space to do it. I want to share my space and make people feel good.”
To find out more about People visit thepeopleshop. co.uk or you can visit Allison’s website at allisonsadler.co.uk