A local maker is exploring plans to open Made Stone, a staffed shop on Stone's High Street that would offer independent creators their own shelf or display space to sell their products.

Katy is considering taking a unit next to the new Zoe Jayne's hair salon on the High Street. She has begun gauging interest from potential makers and artists who might want to participate in the venture.

How it would work

Businesses renting space would pay around £40 a month with no commission taken on sales, apart from card processing fees. Katy would run the shop herself, so makers would not need to be present to sell their products.

If the plans proceed, Made Stone would open six days a week from around 9am until 5pm, with an anticipated opening date of early November.

Katy is considering asking makers to commit for a minimum of three months, though she remains open to suggestions as the plans develop.

Background and inspiration

Katy currently sells her own creations through shops in Hanley and Tunstall. That experience prompted her to bring a similar model to Stone.

"It's actually an idea I've had for years, and I've thought, if I don't do it now, I probably never will! So I've decided to bite the bullet and see if it could actually become a reality," she said.

The plans remain at an early stage. Katy has viewed the High Street property but has not yet committed to taking it on. The level of interest from potential sellers is likely to play a significant part in that decision.

"The idea is to create a beautiful, welcoming shop where small businesses, makers, artists and creatives can rent their own shelf or display space to showcase and sell their products, while I run and manage the shop," Katy added.

Call for interest and advice

Katy is keen to hear from anyone with experience of running a similar business. "I'm completely new to this side of things, so I'd genuinely love to hear any ideas, advice or suggestions from anyone who has experience with running a shop. I'm really excited about the idea and would love to create something that supports local businesses while also giving people in Stone somewhere lovely to discover and shop from independent makers."

Anyone interested in taking space at Made Stone, or who has experience running a similar shop and would like to offer advice, can contact Katy at mademeuk@gmail.com. Made Stone can also be found on Instagram at @made_uk_stone and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594522469766.