Cheltenham Craft Shop Launches £5k Crowdfunder to Keep Doors Open

Independent craft shop in Cheltenham launches fundraiser to survive rising costs

Cheltenham’s Kiwi Fruit is Cute, an independent crafting shop founded by best friends Siobhan Westmacott, Samantha Potter, and Zarina Ismail, is facing financial pressures after relocating earlier this year. The shop, known for its community-focused Make & Mingle sessions and charity collaborations, has seen overheads double since moving to Lower High Street in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, prompting the owners to launch a crowdfunding campaign to secure its future.

Westmacott, one of the shop’s founders, described the current period as “difficult” for the business, which relies on community support and reinvests all profits. “We are really in the position of trying really hard to make sure things can keep going month on month,” she said. The owners, who work other jobs to sustain the shop, emphasized their commitment to keeping the business open despite financial strain.

Kiwi Fruit is Cute hosts weekly Make & Mingle sessions, where crafters gather to work on projects like knitting, sewing, and other crafts. The shop also provides space for local charities, including Oscar’s Community Corner, to host their own initiatives. These community-focused activities have helped build a loyal customer base, but the recent increase in rent and operational costs has placed the shop at risk.

To address these challenges, the owners have launched a fundraiser aiming to raise £5,000. The money will be used to restock core supplies, restock shelves, and provide financial breathing room while sales continue to grow. “It is for the practical stuff that keeps the doors open,” the crowdfunder appeal states. The shop has also applied for charity status, though the process is expected to take several months.

The fundraiser underscores the broader struggles faced by small businesses in Gloucestershire as they navigate rising costs and economic uncertainty. Community support remains critical for independent shops like Kiwi Fruit is Cute, which play a vital role in local culture and charity work.

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