Castle Road has welcomed a new business this week, as Absolutely Shabbylass opened its doors on Thursday (1 February), relocating from Ampthill.
Maria Harris-Ash opened her shop in Ampthill in 2017, but recently decided to move to Bedford, attracted to the creative community in the town and the “lovely vibe” of Castle Road.
The shop combines retail and workshop space, allowing Maria to share her passion for upcycling and painting furniture – the hobby that led her to open a shop in the first place.
After a 15-year career in the police, Maria began renovating and painting furniture for her own home, but she began attracting customers through word of mouth and one thing led to another.
The shop has allowed her to give a platform to other makers – around 85% are from the local area – and all the stockists are independent brands offering unique gifts and homewares.
“The stock is carefully selected and curated by me,” said Maria. “The shelf space is rented to the makers and it’s proved to be very successful. We currently have a waiting list of stockists if and when space becomes available.”
Upstairs is a workshop space for Maria to share her own expertise and for other makers and some of the stockists to hold workshops – from wreath-making at Christmas to candle-making, jewellery workshops and lino-printing.
The Castle Road community has welcomed the shop with open arms since it opened yesterday (Thursday) and Maria said she’s thrilled to be part of it.
“I love teaching and learning and I hate waste,” said Maria. “Repurposing old furniture lets me bring new life to things, and being next door to Bargain Alley, someone could buy a second-hand cabinet there, pop in here to buy some paint to renovate it, grab a coffee next door and even pick up a plant from Nelly Mosa across the road to display on it.
“We’ve got everything here!”
At 9.50am on Saturday (3 February), the store will be officially opened by the Mayor of Bedford and shoppers will have the chance to meet some of the makers over a glass of fizz and cupcakes.
In addition, the first 10 people to spend over £20 will receive a goody bag.
“There’s such a lovely vibe to Castle Road and Bedford,” said Maria. “We’ve been made to feel so welcome and I can’t wait to get to know everyone.”
Absolutely Shabbylass is at 108a Castle Road, on Facebook here and on Instagram here.
