Studio Pugh design boutique opens on New Shambles, Kendal

Harriet Pugh, originally from the Wirral, but now of Kendal, has opened Studio Pugh, on New Shambles, adding to the street's growing reputation as a hub for small independent retailers.

Harriet is a graphic designer by trade and plans to continue providing this service, but wants to create a more interactive experience for customers,

"I always thought Kendal needed something a bit more like Manchester, a small boutique kind of design studio, for people that want something a bit different," she said.

"I want to showcase bits from all over the UK, not just Cumbria, and some nice bits, gifts, craft supplies, somewhere you can have a little browse, and hopefully find something that you like.

"I design keyrings, tote bags, notebooks, and personal gifts, but I also design logos, signs, and invitations for people - anything really.

"It's a nice open space and then I've got another room that's an open workspace. 

"We're in talks about doing a class so people can learn how to do calligraphy for example.

"I want to get some local artists that wouldn't necessarily be able to have a space to teach their skill - they can come in and interact using this space, because I was looking for creative classes but there weren't any really, only where I'd have to travel for that specific one.

"I wanted to show that it's not all online, that small business can still showcase the arty side of things, people can physically see things, pick things up.

"I love the New Shambles, there are a few crafty businesses already, and I saw this unit come up, and fell in love with it.

"We're getting some grants for the signage so we can upgrade it - also everyone on the street that owns a business is a woman.

"We definitely want to promote this alley as a creative space - Sandra with the soap shop's doing soap-making workshops, and we're all talking of doing little collaborations to create something positive for Kendal."