Alternative style and way of life inspires new business

A Limavady woman says her alternative style and way of life has inspired her to set up her own business.

Earlier this month, Sarah-Jane Kee decided to open her own gift shop on Limavady’s Main Street.

Scarlett Jayne Accessories was established after the mum saw a niche in the market for a shop which sells a wide range of alternative gifts.

Speaking to the County Derry Post she said: “I saw a need for an alternative gift shop, when I was out looking for gifts for people and noticed there was nothing I was really into. So I decided to set one up myself. Before that I had been doing markets all over the county in places like Brooke Hall and Estate, Limavady markets, and St Columb's Hall. I kept buying more things so it got to the point where I needed a shop. So I saw the unit where I am now and I thought I’ll go for that.”

Sarah Jane says her opening hours cater for those working during the day. 

“I do still have another job so this is a side project. I usually open in the evenings when I can and that seems to be working well for people, especially with most people working during the day it is handy for them. The street is empty and there is lots of parking for people which is good. The shop was really good on a Saturday. It is doing so much better than I thought. I didn't expect it to be so busy. There have been a lot of people that have come in and said it is great to see a shop like this in Limavady. They felt like that was missing here and now we have it. The stuff I sell is different and quirky and people tend to like that. I love the diffusers and things like that. Everything I’ve bought is things I like. There are also a few local designers stuff here which is really nice to see. People like to support locals too.” 

The Limavady woman says she has always been interested in the alternative style and way of life. Coming from a typical Christian Northern Irish background Sarah-Jane was worried about how it may be perceived to be selling things of a more alternative nature but the reception from everyone in the community has been ‘supportive’. 

Talking about her style Sarah-Jane continued: “I just naturally picked up the style and was interested in it. None of my friends at school or anything were into it and I sort of hid my style for a while, I was worried about how I would be perceived.  When I hit 30 I just forgot about all that, just decided to go for it. If I want to be me and like what I like, I will. My husband and now my kids are really into rock music, I love seeing that in them expressing that when they are younger now, I was always hiding it.”

Sarah-Jane hopes to ‘build a community’ from the shop in the future.

“I’ve started to see a lot of people like me, with the same style and interests coming in which is lovely. There is a unit free beside me and it is going to be a pop up for other crafters. That will be great to build a community. I would also love to have somebody here doing card readings and have a crafting day at Halloween where we can all connect and come together to make witches brooms, even have workshops where kids can come and make their own dreamcatchers.” 

Scarlett Jayne Accessories offers a wide range of alternative gifts including, candles, ornaments, jewellery and clothing.

The shop is located on 15 Main Street, Limavady and opens Monday, Tuesday & Friday 4pm-8pm, Thursday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm.

You can find them on Facebook @Sarah-Jane Kee, Instagram @scarlett_jayne_accessories and Tik Tok @Scarlett Jayne Limavady