We caught up with Stone resident Helen Plant to hear about her new venture, The Maverick Store, which goes online at midday on the 1st September.
Helen and I have been talking and meeting for many months as she began her journey as a business owner. Helen has been working on her business, with the support of the Princes Trust, since the back end of 2017 and today sees the first step in bringing her vision to market.
Helen’s background is in fashion buying, from smaller retailers to big international brands, Helen has some big names in her CV.
Over a coffee, at Ten Green Bottles in Stone, Helen explained what The Maverick Store is all about:
“With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry I became increasingly aware of the sourcing and manufacture of the products at all ends of the industry.
“My goal was to create a store that focused on sustainably sourced products understanding where all aspects of a product had come from at each stage of the supply chain.
“Over the past year I’ve been travelling around the UK and Europe meeting potential suppliers and hearing about their great products and production processes.”
Helen went on to explain:
“I would like The Maverick Store to be a platform where customers can start to think more consciously about their purchasing decisions.
“We hope that better informing our customers will allow them to appreciate the ethical and sustainable origins of the products we stock.”
Living in Stone Helen would love to open a store in the town but is beginning her venture online, supported by a number of pop-up stalls at various events, as she builds her business.
So what will the store be stocking at launch, Helen explains:
“At launch the store will sport 11 brands, highlighting Tom Lane’s Alpaca socks, designed in Lincoln, made in Scotland.
“Carbon Theory black charcoal soap, made in Scotland, the next cure for acne and vegan friendly, as recommended by the Mail, Glamour Magazine & Refinery 29.
“We will also stock Tote bags from various brands like Mustard Ivy of Essex, Assemble of Scotland & Provide of Birmingham. A tote bag is for life, not just for Christmas!”
Although Helen is at the start of her journey she acknowledges the help and support that’s enabled her to get to this point.
“Firstly I’ve got to thank my parents for their influence growing up. They too ran their own businesses and they’ve been incredibly supportive in me following up on my own dream.
“For anyone else considering taking a step down the same path then I can wholeheartedly recommend getting in touch with the Princes Trust. The support and mentorship has really helped guide me through the process and to focus on what it takes to get a business launched.
“Finally a big help to my current employers, Aston Marina, who have been incredibly supportive in helping me launch my business until I can go full time.”
Pop on over to The Maverick Store website or their social media accounts to learn more!
Website: TheMaverickStore.co.uk
Instagram: @TheMaverickStoreUK
Twitter: @MaverickStoreUK
Facebook: @TheMaverickStoreUK
