Opening my own independent illustration shop
I never really thought much about opening a shop - it wasn’t necessarily my intention when I set out looking for a space in Nottingham. I’d made the move back to the midlands after spending nearly 5 years living and working in London, where I’d had a studio space at Wimbledon Art Studios. I loved that studio; it was small but it was the first time I’d had my own dedicated work space. I decorated it, bought snacks, settled my (then very small) dog in and I felt like a proper grown up, professional illustrator for the first time. Not only that, but separating work and home helps me creatively, I don’t thrive in a WFH environment.
My first studio in Wimbledon
When I moved back to Notts I knew the creative scene there was thriving, so I set about looking for a similar studio space. However the art studios were smaller and had waiting lists, and the alternatives were offices with a corporate vibe I just didn’t want. I viewed a couple and nothing felt right. A friend recommended I look up Sneinton Market Avenues, which is an area dedicated to independent businesses. There are shops, co working spaces, cafes, but you essentially rent the unit and do what you want with it. I emailed the council and was added to the waitlist. I became super busy with commissions, got my head down and continued to WFH, eventually nearly pulling my hair out with the loneliness.
Around 9 months later, I had an email that a unit was becoming available that fit within my budget. I went to view the unit, and I got the feeling. The same one I had when I viewed my studio in Wimbledon - my brain whirring with endless possibilities of what I could do with the space, how my life would look if I worked there. I went home and did the maths. I could make it, just about; it was expensive for a one woman business. However if I had the space as a retail shop selling my artwork, I could work in there as a studio and still make money when people came in. An open studio come shop - it would quell the loneliness of working on my own, and would give me some mojo back with my online shop too. And so, Emmy Lupin Studio IRL was born.
Getting the keys to the shop
I got the keys early March, and quickly realised how much I’d underestimated how hard it would be to renovate the space into what I wanted it to be. Luckily, my Dad had agreed to help me and he essentially built my exact vision himself. Big up Ady (you can find him here for all your DIY needs). We worked evenings and weekends over the next couple of months, finally fitting the star of the show - the lighting - two days before opening. I had so much help from my family and friends to get it ready, I genuinely could not have done it without all the support. I may be a one woman business, but you cant underestimate the help of those around you.
Finally, opening day came! I’d been working on a couple of collaborations, released a new print collection, had cupcakes from a neighbour on the avenues Treat Kitchen, and shouted about it as much as I could on social media. The day before, I was still convinced no one would turn up. To my surprise, we had people waiting at the door at 11am when I opened, my friend and boyfriend frantically still folding cards and me running around like a headless chicken. My very talented friend Adam came and took photos, sporting one of my pink Chaotic Energy t shirts - and he captured the day beautifully.
I can’t even begin to explain how amazing the opening was. We had people through the door all day, the sun was shining, and it was the absolute best. I’m now open for the foreseeable, usually Wednesday - Saturday til 4pm. I’m hoping that this is just the beginning for my little shop, I have PLANS. Workshops, more collaborations with small businesses, teaching, all sorts. For now though, I’m enjoying my dream space, being an independent business on the high street, and bringing colourful art to the streets of Nottingham.
You can find me at
Unit 12, Avenue A, Sneinton Market Avenues, Nottingham NG1 1DW.
