Meet Our Stockists: Seed

Q. Tell us about why you opened the store? I had the idea for Seed when I was at university. Then whilst I was working in fashion, I saved and started planning the store and website. I was lucky in my job to shop around the world, but there became fewer stores especially in UK which were different and offered something inspiring and with provenance. For me the high street was becoming a blur of mass produced homogenised products and I wanted to offer something hand crafted, something that has a story. We opened the first shop in 2010.

Meet SEED, a shop on the beautiful Catherine Hill in Frome, Somerset. Home to an emerging generation of creative talent, they specialise in sourcing a diverse mix of homewares, jewellery, textiles and ceramics from across the UK and beyond. We caught up with Sinead to talk about running the shop, her love of notebooks and all you need to know when visiting Frome.

Q. What is one item you can’t live without? My notebooks, I love a list and have to jot or sketch all my ideas down. Q. Where did you first hear about Katie Leamon? We met at a trade show in the early days of our businesses, it’s been wonderful to see her brilliant brand grow over the years. It’s always a real treat to see the new collections and see the team. Q. Is there a story behind your stores name? I named the business Seed, from the proverb ‘from small acorns do mighty oaks grow’ It was the Seed of my idea and the independent makers, nurturing and supporting each other to grow together. Q. What has been the best moment in your stores life so far? Oh that’s tricky we’ve been lucky to have lots of great moments. More recently opening our newest shop was incredible. We relocated to the bottom of Catherine Hill, Frome in February 2018. I had always loved the space but never imagined it would one day be home to Seed. It’s a beautiful light and airy two storey building, with lots of period features, the huge windows look out on St Catherine’s, it’s the perfect spot and has given me the space to extend our ranges. We’ve just introduced clothing and will be offering workshops in the coming months. Q. What is your favourite Katie Leamon Product? I’ve always loved stationery, so I’d have to say my pencils. However I can’t bring myself to use them as they’re just so gorgeous, so they’re an ornamental feature on my desk. Please tell me I’m not the only person who collects stationery and doesn’t use it?! Q. What would be your top tip for someone visiting Frome? I’d recommend staying for a weekend and wonder off the beaten track, you’ll find an array of brilliant independent shops and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Then just 5 minutes away and you’ll be in the most beautiful countryside. A perfect weekend to visit is the first Sunday of the month (March- December) when the streets are closed off and the Frome Independent market takes over the town. There are food treats, flea market, artisan products and lots of live entertainment. I don’t know anyone who has visited who hasn’t dreamt of moving here.