The new scenario of Shoreditch which is attracting the world’s most famous designers and brands right in the heart of East London, allowed anyway to visit some small, smart, independent shops settled in the area since a long time. Lik+Neon is an example. Based in Sclater Street (just off Brick Lane) and selling alternative stuff, from home interiors and clothing to accessories and jewellery. The shop was established in 2003 by Janice Taylor.
Janice, what did inspire you to start?
“Passion, drive, inspiration, vision & Pioneering Spirit!”
What is unique about your business?
“Every product is carefully selected to feature in the store, and we rotate products on an ongoing regular basis, so there’s always something new to see. We stock work from the independent emerging & directional designers, makers, illustrators & graphic designers. 80% of the items in the store are from London & UK based illustrators & designers. You won’t find the selection of products we have in any other store. We also stock a small selection of rare new (dead stock) vintage sportswear items. And, most importantly! – We have four cats in the shop for an enhanced shopping experience! We have a super online store also!”
What are the main challenges maintaining your business and how are you overcoming them?
“Usual things that are challenging for every business, I suppose. Coping with all the ‘taxes’ from companies providing business services- and high costs of employing staff in a small business! Learning to adapt and make changes due to the effects of recession. Staffing- finding the right, willing and able people to represent your business… the usual things everyone has to deal with!”
What would you say has been your most memorable experience while developing your business?
“Two really memorable things: One is the ongoing the day-to-day positive reaction from customers, that really reminds you why you do this! and building up a very strong customer base over the years is really satisfying. Plus of course, meeting all the wonderful artists and designers who have made and continue to make, this shop what it is! “
What were the most successful projects?
“Table-Tennis Fashion show and exhibition we hosted in 2004 in the then empty ‘Azeem gents barbers’ next door. Shop re-design by Gitta Schwendtner in 2010, opening sponsored by Peroni. Forgotten Olympic Sports printed products commission from Tom Edwards 2012.”
Anything unusual happened while setting up your business?
“In a shop with four cats, you’d expect some hilarious and baffling moments, and we’ve had a few!”
Why do you choose Shoreditch to run your business?
“When I discovered the shop space for rent in 2003, there were no other businesses around except for a sweetshop next door, on Sclater Sreet, plus loads of leather shops, Banglatown, further up Brick Lane and that was about it. Plenty of street prostitutes and drunks about the place too, It certainly wasn’t Shoreditch as we know it today! Here was this tiny shop up for rent, with no floorboards but I knew I could turn it in to something fantastic, and it was the right area to do so- I jumped in, and here we are today, over 10 years on! Now Shoreditch is a thriving district. Hopefully though, it won’t become too sanitised and ‘up it’s own proverbial. The latest infiltration of big-brand chain stores moving to the area is a development in quite the wrong direction. Let’s keep Shoreditch original, and only full of independent stores, restaurants & cafes & galleries please!”
