News / St Pauls
Inside the African Collective pop up in St Paul’s
Several people walking along Grosvenor Road on a chilly Friday morning do a double take when they see the once-derelict unit lit up with vibrant colour.
The newly-transformed premises in the heart of St Paul’s, next to Dad’s Cabs, has a rich history within the community, but stood empty for several years before a group of entrepreneurs launched the African Collective pop up shop.
Trading up to December 22, the business is already breathing new life into the high street, showcasing a wealth of products created by local makers and artists.
Dresses in bright African prints make a bold statement in the window, while inside it’s a treasure trove of fabric, clothes, bags, lamps, books, cards, jewellery, handmade skin care products and much more.
Christelle says many people had been going to London to source African print fabrics
Handmade skin care, homeware, prints and more are on sale
“These premises have been closed for about ten years, so we see people walking past and they are not expecting to see this. It’s good to see local reactions,” says Christelle Pellecuer.
She, along with fellow creatives and businesswomen Sandra Gordon and Marie-Annick Gournet, have been talking about launching a pop up shop to showcase their wares for about a year.
Christelle says it was a big challenge getting the enterprise off the ground and premises secured. Looking around the vibrant pop up shop, she agrees it has been worth it.
“People kept asking where they can get African products and fabrics, and many tend to go to London for them,” she continues.
“We have so many people from different backgrounds in Bristol, so we thought let’s bring it here.
“People think the whole area (of St Paul’s) is changing, with big companies coming in, so they are happy to see there are some black-owned businesses because there are worries that locals will just move out.
“This is a platform for local traders and creators and people want to buy locally-made products. We would like to invite communities from across Bristol to the shop – it would be good to reach out a bit further.”
The shop – that officially opened on Wednesday (December 5) has already been well supported and a launch event saw around 40 people crowd into the unit.
Michael Jenkins popped in to buy some gifts
“Oh wow, Christelle,” exclaims Michael Jenkins, the award-winning filmmaker who recently documented behind the scenes of St Paul’s Carnival in his film, Saving Carnival, which was aired on the BBC.
Coming into the shop for the first time, he congratulates the women on their work and – amid reminiscing about the unit back in the day – talks of the importance of having products by and representative of the black community.
“It shows our work and creativity,” agrees Abeje Chinangwa, who makes her own products and works with people in Gambia, where she sources the pendants that she sells in Bristol.
“It’s good for the children as an example of what they can achieve.”
Christelle, Marie-Annick and Sandra at the launch of the pop up shop
People flocked into the shop for the launch
Alongside the items for sale, the African Collective pop up will also host special book launch evenings, pamper events, make-your-own soap and cream workshops, make-up techniques and more. Visit: www.facebook.com/AfricanCollectiv/ for details.
The shop is open from Wednesday – Saturday until December 22, but with a smile Christelle admits that if all goes well, they could soon be on the look out for a more permanent premises.
The unit is set to become the new headquarters for the St Paul’s Carnival team.
Read more: How St Paul’s Carnival was saved
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