Mother and daughter to launch new designer-makers market in Norwich

A selection of Ella Elizabeth designs. Picture: Ella Elizabeth (Image: Archant)

Ella Blake, 19, a designer-maker from Costessey, who goes by the name Ella Elizabeth, started her own business last year, but has found that many of Norwich's markets are oversubscribed, making it hard for first-timers to get their foot in the door.

Consequently, Miss Blake and her mother, Deborah Blake, 52, decided to establish a new vintage and creators market that will provide many regional designers with their first ever opportunity to showcase their work.

Organising the inaugural market, which will have over 40 stalls, has been a team effort.

Mrs Blake said: 'I'm in charge of all the mundane stuff - making sure all the paperwork and insurance is in order, sorting table plans and the like. Ella on the other hand has been the driving force behind selecting designers, making sure we have a good mix of stalls and covering our social media.'

Morweena Farrell will bring vibrant designs to the market. Picture: Morweena Farrell (Image: Archant)

The market will host a range of regional businesses selling art, fashion, illustrations, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, home-wares and more.

There will also be a considerable cohort of vintage and retro designers and a variety of recycled products will be up for sale.

Miss Blake is both excited and proud to be providing a platform that supports designers in a similar position.

She said: 'So many of us are on a new journey and it is great to support one another, as it can be really scary showing off your own work for the first time.'

Seamless and Ginger will be offering an array of prints at the market. Picture: Seamless and Ginger (Image: Archant)

Mrs Blake is hoping the market will exhibit an area of talented Norfolk designers and boost small regional businesses.

She said: 'The market will bring together a fresh and vibrant mix of designer makers - makers who love to re-use and recycle, and sellers of quirky vintage treasures. It will be the ideal place to come for a bit of Christmas shopping as we are all about celebrating small business and local talent, and you will be sure to find some wonderful gifts which you cannot find on your local high street.'

The market will run from 11am until 4.30pm, Saturday November 11, at the Narthex Centre at St John the Baptist Cathedral, Earlham Road, Norwich.

Deborah and Ella have promised the market will showcase the best of vintage and retro design in the region. Picture: The Vintage Flower Press (Image: Archant)