A NEW type of designer shop has opened its doors for the first time on Teesside allowing creative minds to hone their business skills.
The store in Hartlepool sees sock monsters sitting happily on the shelf next to designer handbags.
Students at Cleveland College of Art and Design are taking “eclectic mix” to another level, with the launch of The Folio.
The Hartlepool shop allows students to vent their creative spleens, gain invaluable business experience and offer punters the chance to buy bespoke, often collectable pieces, at affordable prices.
Located in the heart of a new cultural quarter, developed by CCAD in Church Square, Hartlepool, it provides a unique insight into the creative minds of some the country’s most talented young designers.
Sitting comfortably side-by-side are products including clever ceramics, stylish jewellery, statement handbags, contemporary prints, trendy notebooks, colourful soft furnishings, cute toys and even a tea pot, complete with its cosy winter warmer.
For the student it’s the first opportunity to see how their new-found college-derived skills can earn them a good living.
CCAD’s business development manager for creative industries, Melanie Shee, explained: “Our students wanted the chance to link with potential customers, to develop their products and gain vital experience in costing, pricing and selling on the high street.
“Often, at the end of the degree shows, students would be approached by the public and asked where their designs could be bought, so it made sense to develop this further and open something like The Folio.”
Applied arts degree student Penny Beattie is displaying her sock monsters, a range of knitted animal characters.
The 22-year-old, of Stockton, said: “I think The Folio is a fantastic idea and it is absolutely ideal for us to market our work and receive direct feedback about it from customers.”
The Folio is run by the students, who give up two hours of their time each week to work in the shop, gaining essential experience of selling products.
Business development co-ordinator Rebecca Smiles Harrison, of North Shields, is delighted with the venture.
“We have about 17 volunteers so far involved in the shop, which really helps the students to be more commercially minded,” she said. “When they receive their updates each week on what has sold it really motivates them.”
The shop is open 10am to 3.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.