All three of these companies are still within their first year of opening, and while they’re all in different industries, they share a common goal – to bring a new and exciting way of shopping to Sheffield. Miss Samantha’s Vintage is a vintage shop in Walkley that wants its customers to feel empowered, Pearson & Earl’s is a barber shop in Kelham Island focussed on creating a laid-back inclusive space and Smorgas is a City Centre café with Scandinavian flair.
Miss Samantha’s Vintage
http://www.misssamanthasvintage.co.uk
Miss Samantha’s Vintage is a brand new independent shop based on South Road, Walkley. Owner Sam wants her customers to celebrate their individuality and dare to be different. Whether its a beautiful dress or workwear, you should feel empowered. The shop stocks reproductions of vintage clothing, shoes, cosmetics and hosiery from Collectif, Hell Bunny, Pretty Retro, Voodoo Vixen, Lindy Bop, Ruby Shoo, Le Leux Cosmetics and in June they’ll be a stockist for Irregular Choice. Requests for menswear have already been made, so gents keep your eyes peeled as well.
Sam explains how she opened the shop on 23 March 2018, after finding that although Sheffield has great shops, none of them sold what she was looking for. We’re all well-acquainted with buying multiple outfits online, and then queuing at the Post Office to send them back. After being prompted by her husband to make a big change in her life after reaching a milestone age, Sam decided she just wanted to sell pretty dresses!
Pearson & Earl’s Barbershop
http://pearsonandearlsbarbershop.co.uk
What is it you do?
We are highly skilled barbers focusing on modern and classic barbering.
When did you start trading?
The doors of Pearson & Earl’s Barbershop opened on the 14th of October 2017.
Why did you pick Sheffield?
I’ve lived and worked in Sheffield all my life and love Kelham and its surrounding areas. It’s very up and coming and has a great buzz about it. Many changes have been happening over the last few years. Gibraltar Street in particular has had a massive face lift with The Bar Stewards, Juice 2 U Kitchen and the long awaited Upshot Espresso all opening.
What have you been most proud of to-date?
I’m just amazed by the fantastic clients we’ve had gracing our chairs. It’s truly overwhelming. I’ve tried my best to create a relaxed atmosphere and somewhere people feel they want to come and chill. I think from the feedback we’ve had that this has been achieved and I want to maintain that for as long as possible. And I’ve got to add, maybe I’m biased, that I’m pretty proud of my clock wall too!
What does the future hold for your business?
I hope myself and Emily (the other half of my dream team) continue to grow the business and keep looking after everybody in the same way we have to-date. I’m looking for another team member so we can continue to expand and be there for every gent walking in. Here’s to the future.
Smorgas: Home of the Open-Faced Sandwich
https://smorgas.co
What is it you do?
Smorgas is a new café concept bringing a flare of Scandinavian style to Sheffield. We believe that we first eat with our eyes, so we present our dishes as an inviting ‘Smorgasbord’ for you to peruse and select whatever takes your fancy.
Our trademark is the open-faced sandwich. Traditionally this is a slice of bread with a spread and topping. Bread is typically rye, spreads are usually butter, pate or cream cheese and toppings are cold cuts of meat, fish or vegetables. At Smorgas we craft both the classics and our own interpretations of the open sandwich, so you can expect an ever-changing range as well as the old favourites.
We aim to provide healthier food with a focus on natural ingredients and seasonal produce. We also cater for specialist diets and food intolerances and all our house salads and soups are vegan and gluten-free.
When did you start trading?
We opened on 12th March this year offering a range of exciting, nutritious open-faced sandwiches, baked goods, salads and soups along with good coffee and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Why did you pick Sheffield?
We wanted to open in Sheffield as it’s a great place for independents and has a really good network of local suppliers. Known as the largest village in England it’s also one of the friendliest places I’ve ever lived, and this fits well with our aim of Smorgas being a social hub where people can meet or just come in and chew the fat with the team and other customers.
What have you been most proud of to-date?
I’m really proud that we’re bringing a little Scandinavian culture to Sheffield and not only with the open-face sandwiches and cinnamon buns, we also have plans to host a Danish language and culture class one evening a week.
What does the future hold for your business?
As for the future… our vision is people taking time out of their busy day to enjoy good food and good company in stylish and friendly surroundings. We want to bring a little hygge to Sheffield. Oh and we want the weather to improve so that we can get out into that wonderful garden!
