WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Our first bricks and mortar retail space on George Street Edinburgh was an immersive and creative hub, housing some of the most exciting female-led Scottish brands as well as offering delicious coffee, exclusive events and dynamic co-working spaces. Now, as we embark on a new chapter and open egg & co 2 for the festive season, we thought we’d look back on five fantastic egg residents from our first pop-up space and find out where they are now.

Antoinette Fionda-Douglas

The co-founder of Beira tells us what makes the sustainable Scottish fashion brand so unique…

We buy discarded materials from the luxury fashion industry and ethically craft them into beautiful and functional, limited-edition womenswear. We are a radically transparent fashion brand that has on average a 90% reduction in our carbon footprint. Having the opportunity to share our ethos, and why we’re so passionate about sustainable fashion, with new customers is part of the reason we love our job.

How was egg & co for you?

It was such a great space filled with like-minded women who were all championing one another. We made countless contacts and life-long friends. Being part of egg & co also gave us the confidence to set up another long-term pop up. Since our time at egg & co, we’ve been in New York showcasing our collection at the Dressed To Kilt charity fashion show. It was an amazing honour to be invited to take part and to see our pieces on the catwalk.

Where can we find Beira now?

We are currently popping up at 140 Bruntsfield Place until Christmas and we’ll have an additional pop-up in Stockbridge from the beginning of December until March 2023 at Space at 17 on St Stephen Street. This year’s Autumn/Winter collection is one of our biggest yet and we can’t wait for our stores to be filled with gorgeous new knitwear, jackets and coats.

Best advice for someone starting their own business?

Be brave and lead with purpose. Shop the new collection at www.beira.scot or keep an eye on Beira’s socials for festive events. Follow them on Instagram @b_e_i_r_a or Facebook Beira Moda.

Cecilia Lai

Founder of MISSA & KISSA tells us about the story behind her Edinburgh-based jewellery brand…

I’ve been a jewellery lover for as long as I can remember, but I always struggled to find pieces that were affordable and wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin. After months of in-depth research and preparation, I launched my minimalist hypoallergenic jewellery brand MISSA & KISSA in September 2021.

How was egg & co for you?

I joined egg & co when my business was 5 months old and met an extraordinary number of new customers, many of whom have turned into our most loyal supporters and returning customers. I’m happy to share the news that we have a shop space at Jaune on Rose Street.

Any Christmas events?

Yes! I’m at the egg &co festive pop-up in Waverley Market.

Best advice for someone starting their own business?

Reach out and make connections with others in the small business community; there are a lot of kind people who are willing to share their expertise. Shop the latest collection at https://missakissa.co or join us in store at egg & co 2.

Vassia

Founder of TORN Vintage talks about the reasons she launched her online womenswear and accessories shop with a contemporary approach to vintage...

It initially started as a side hustle in late 2020 but became my full-time job in April 2021. I am passionate and put a huge focus on trendless, individual style, sustainability and reusing what's already there. That, combined with my personal struggle to find timeless, highquality vintage and preloved led to TORN vintage as it is today.

How did egg & co help your brand?

Popping up at egg & co was transformative for my business. I had been part of the egg Facebook group for a couple of years before the pop-up on George Street and being part of a supportive and empowering group of fellow women and business owners in real life was a no brainer!

Where can we find Torn Vintage now?

My business is primarily based online, but I do pop-ups around Edinburgh when opportunities arise. I’m also proud to be part of egg & co in Waverley Market so we can end the year with a bang!

Best advice for someone starting their

own business? Just start. You might think you don't know what you're doing or what your niche is, but just start and I PROMISE, you will eventually figure it out! For more information or to shop online, visit www.tornvintage.com

Emily Clift

The founder of Fruit Salad Flowers shares her story about the brand…

Fruit Salad was my lockdown baby and officially born in 2020. I wanted to bring a modern and fun approach to floristry in Edinburgh and I felt there was a bit of a gap in the market for a contemporary floral studio.

Why did you choose egg & co?

I joined the George Street egg & co because it was too good an opportunity to pass up - when else would I be able to say I had a shop on George Street?! The pop-up space meant I had my own physical shop, but I also got to share the experience with lots of other businesswomen which helped alleviate the pressure of running your own shop. So many doors have opened for me since then.

Where can we find Fruit Salad Flowers now?

Mainly flowering events and weddings but I am also delighted to be back at egg & co in Waverley Market. I will be selling fresh and dried flowers, candles, Christmas wreaths and more.

Best advice for someone starting their own business?

Be authentically yourself. If you truly love what you do, it shows. To book tickets for a wreath workshop at egg & co 2, visit fruitsaladflowers.co.uk

Rachel Wood

The founder of Rare Birds Books tells us about the story behind her bookshop in Stockbridge...

The business started with the online book club and book subscription five years ago - at the time it was the service I was looking for but couldn’t find. I was extremely passionate about women writers and getting their work the recognition it deserved and Rare Birds offered me a way to do that. By the end of 2020 we were desperate to bring our community back together in real life and I started working on the idea of a bookshop that only stocked titles written by women, trans women and non-binary writers. We wanted a fun, friendly space where we could shout about books we loved. The Stockbridge bookshop opened in August 2021 and the rest is history!

What did you get involved with egg & co?

We joined egg & co on George Street because I loved the idea of a popup to meet new people. It provided a launchpad for all sorts of small businesses to sell in-person and for people to discover new brands, so it was fun meeting other small business owners in Edinburgh and just having fun with the wonderful community.

Where can we find Rare Birds Books?

Our shop in Stockbridge is open seven days a week. We’re also online too - our subscription ships worldwide.

Best advice for someone starting their own business?

Start small! It’s not the most glamorous advice but it’s so much easier to experiment and take risks in those early days when your business is more of a side project and not something you’re relying on to keep a roof over your head. Find out more at rarebirdsbooks.com or follow them on social @rarebirdsbooks.