Self Care - the perfect Mother's Day Gift

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’ve got the perfect gift for all mums, grandmas, step mums, care givers, whoever the important lady in your life is.

A Chirpy Self Care Bundle is made up of

Arthouse Unlimited Candle - Plant wx vegan candle is a reusable glass tumbler

French Marseille Soap

Choc Affair Yorkshire Chocolate - choose from Milk, Vegan Dark or Oat Milk Vegan Chocolate.

Greetings Card - whatever the occasion which we can write for you with your own message.

With each bundle you can choose the type of chocolate. We’ll choose the candle and soap for you.

We’ll gift wrap in recycled paper for you and send for FREE

Order your bundle HERE

With all our bundles it’s also a great way to introduce Chirpy to your friends a we’ll send them a 10% Chirpy discount voucher to use online and you’ll get one too!

To guarantee delivery by Mother’s Day Sunday 30th March order by Monday 24th March

For other occasions just let us know that date you need the gift to arrive

Westmorland Sheepskins - bringing a touch of luxury to Chirpy

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April we’re delighted to be hosting Westmorland Sheepskins as they pop upstairs at Chirpy.

Founded in 1981, Westmorland Sheepskins is a family-run business specialising in timeless, natural sheepskin products. From luxuriously soft slippers and footwear to beautifully crafted rugs and home accessories, every piece is designed with comfort, quality, and sustainability in mind.

At their pop-up with Chirpy, they’ll be bringing a curated selection of our sheepskin interiors—plush cushions, tactile rugs, and cosy throws—alongside a few of their favourite slippers. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to your home or treat yourself to everyday comfort, they’ll have something special waiting for you.

Come along from 10am on Saturday 5th or 12pm on Sunday 6th.

https://www.westmorlandsheepskins.co.uk

Sustainable Fashion at Chirpy with Hearing Aid Babe!

On Saturday 22nd March we can’t wait to host a sustainable fashion pop up with Hearing Aid Babe!

Vic is on a mission to bring her sustainable fashion to our customers in Chapel Allerton.

Vic personally sources unique fashion garments and brings them to life with her quickly unique design, always with sustainability in mind.

Her work is rooted in themes of well-being, nature and emotional balance. it’s not just about fashion but about creating something that feels wholesome, tells a story and makes you feel truly seen.

Her designs are all about creating a deep sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Every piece starts with a hand drawn illustration where she pours her heart and soul into each detail.

Hearing Aid Babe is not fast fashion. It’s quirky with a sense of humour, it’s art on clothes, a way of giving clothes a new identity.

By investing in HAB you are investing in …

Contemporary Art & Design

Unique Fashion

A Small Local Business

Women in Business

Don’t be a sheep in your fashion journey, be the shepherd and join the HAB gang!

https://www.instagram.com/hearing_aid_babe_art/

Katie & May Pops Upstairs at Chirpy

We’re delighted to be hosting a monthly Pop Up with Katie & May starting on Saturday 29th March.

As K&M are not longer on our physical high street, this event is the perfect chance to bring gorgeous women’s fashion back to Chapel Allerton.

Come along and join Catherine from 10am to see her new range of Spring fashion. Perfect for a Mother’s Day treat!

https://www.katieandmay.co.uk

Chapel Allerton Indies : Chapel Allerton Pilates

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs.

This week we’re focusing on Chapel Allerton Pilates, a Pilates studio run by 2nd generation pilates teacher Claire Sparrow.

To get to know Chapel Allerton Pilates a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Claire …

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

I am honoured to lead an incredible team of the most qualified and experienced Pilates teachers in Leeds. Each teacher has been mentored by me in a traditional apprenticeship as it was done by Joseph Pilates on top of their six month training and six month minimum certification process. They each have extensive anatomy and physiology knowledge and have specialised in osteoporosis, scoliosis, pelvic organ prolapse, low back pain, sciatica, disc bulges, pregnancy and postnatal. I really am proud of them. Everyone teaches Pilates because they know there is so much potential to prevent, heal and thrive through expertly taught movement. They are inherently biased to help others and can see what is possible for everyone without exception.

Chapel Allerton Pilates is a traditional fully equipped Pilates studio where we use our expertise to select and teach the precise exercise on the best bit of apparatus for the individual. I love that everyday is an opportunity to be creative and problem solve based on what each client comes in and says they need or what injury they may be recovering from. We joke that we are like Pilates detectives, solving body’s one Pilates exercise at a time.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I’m Claire Sparrow. I have been doing Pilates since I was a teenager and have been teaching for 25 years. I got into it very young as body conditioning for dancers and it wasn’t until I was 19 in my second year at university that I sustained knee injuries that prevented me from dancing so I had nowhere else to go but the Pilates studio. After 9 months of daily work in the studio mainly on the Reformer or as we called it at the time the plie machine, I was stronger than I thought was possible, more flexible and had more stamina, so much so that when I got back in the dance studio I was dancing better than ever and like I had no time off. I knew then there was something in it and vowed to become a teacher. I then trained extensively in London, Canada and hosted anatomy and science lead Polestar Pilates teacher training here in Leeds so I could learn from the best.  In 2017 I took my love of Pilates to the next level when I was invited by Lolita San Miguel, one of only two people Joseph Pilates certified to teach his method, to go to Florida to train with her to become a Second Generation Teacher. This was a full circle moment going from injured dancer at 19 to the highest worldwide qualification in Pilates at 40. 

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Before I even leave for the studio I have a rigorous morning routine that includes restorative Pilates and a cardio workout followed by a cold shower then I have my porridge or overnight oats. About 12 years ago we moved to Moortown corner so that we could create a walking world so everything we need from shops to school and work are all walkable. That means at 8am I head out the door on foot with my airpods in listening to a book or podcast. When I arrive at the studio I put all the many lights on & music to create an calm and ambient atmosphere ready for our clients. Then from 8.30am it’s revolving doors of clients 121 and Pilates gyms. I get to see so many amazing people throughout the day including my team who are also in teaching 121’s and classes alongside me. I usually have lunch about 12.30 which is often rice veg and salmon and some days I spend the afternoon teaching 121 clients or I am writing the many newsletters and blogs we produce. I finish around 5pm and will head over to the Chapel A Lawn Tennis club to the gym for my cardio and sauna before walking home. The evening can include online teaching teachers that I support internationally or client appreciation classes by zoom. By 9pm I’m 100% ready to start winding down so I tend do a meditation and some Whole Body Pelvic Health Pilates exercises

Favourite time in the business?

Celebrating wins. My most favourite times are when our clients achieve a big win or a goal whether it be that their arms look fabulous in the mother of the bride outfit or they give birth with ease and recover fast or they reduce their golf handicap or complete the triathlon they’ve been training for injury free. My team is with them every step of the way through all life events and we celebrate them all.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 I love this question and I think because I love peoples stories I would like to work at Chirpy to learn all about all the individual makers and contributors. I love learning people's why behind what they do. I think to be an independent business or self-employed you must have a really deep purpose or reason behind it because it’s not an easy road.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

It has been 9 years this year since we moved to Chapel A so we decided it would be an exciting time to refresh with some new branding and something exciting in our huge front window. Last year we replaced all our Reformers and expanded our Reformer studio so this year our SpringWall Studio is getting a refresh. 

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Nothing beats the experience of shopping locally, getting genuine help choosing the best item, supporting people with purpose and often it is better for the environment and you because you can just walk. 

For me it’s also just taking the time to speak to people, have a human connection and build relationships. The world is built on people and life is built on people so we need these connections with people to thrive.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

I’m an open book they know it all lol

One thing some might not know is I have played the same music on cd for the last 17 years. The composer emailed me and said his parents do Pilates and he thought his music would be good. It was and still is today.

Where can we find you?

90 Harrogate Road

Open 7 days a week

Mon - Thu 8-9.30pm / Friday 8.30 - 6pm / Sat - Sun 8am - 2pm

www.chapelallertonpilates.co.uk

@chapelallertonpilates 

Chapel Allerton Pilates FB

Focus on ... Katie Roe

Next month we’re welcoming Katie Roe back to Chirpy to run her workshop to make your own Personalised Leather Bookmark and Key Ring Set

You can join Katie on her workshop on Wednesday 19th March at 7pm

Book your place HERE

To get to know Katie and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little about yourself.

I live in Meanwood with my husband & 2 little boys, we moved back to Leeds almost 9 years ago after spending 12 years living in America. I'm from Leeds originally so it's lovely to be back “home” raising our boys near family. I have always loved art and design and spent my school years putting all my energy into those subjects. I also love to run, running for me is an instant de-stress and time to escape the chaos.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I studied Fashion Design and after graduation I packed my portfolio &  jumped on a plane to New York in search of a job. I landed an assistant designer position at Abercrombie & Fitch. I went on to spend a big chunk of my 20s and 30s in New York working as a womenswear designer for various brands including American Eagle, Gap and J.Crew. When we moved back home I was craving a change, so I learnt the traditonal skills of hand leatherwork and set up Katie Roe Studio. I make leather accessories that combine traditional skills with a modern aesthetic and put responsible, sustainable design at the forefront of my work.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 My week days vary, but always start in a rush with my boys school and nursery drop off. A couple of days a week I try squeeze in a run and then spend time in my home studio doing leatherwork - this can be anything from developing new ideas to making bags or prepping for workshops (the fun bits) to social media, catching up on emails or costing out new ideas (for me the less fun aspect).  My workspace is usually a mess when I’m desiging or making but I think that's often the case for creative people. Two days a week I head into Leeds Arts University where I lecture on the Fashion Design degree. This involves working in the studios with our students supporting them with designing, portfolios and making garments. I always get to spend at least a day in the week with my youngest before he starts school in September - this generally involves mud and a park!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I think having my boys for sure. The transition into becoming a parent is huge and no one could have ever prepared me both mentally and phyically, so yes that definitely feels like my bigeest achievement.

 What do you love best about running workshops?

I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of both designing & traditional leatherwork. Helping people to design & create a leather case that they will own for years and that they are really proud of is extremley rewarding, especially if it is someone who has never picked up a sewing needle or is new to “crafting”. 

 Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

Oh I would love to try so many - anything that involves working with my hands and creating stuff! Pottery and carving would be high up on the list, glass blowing looks fascinating and when I was younger I always wanted to get into millinery (hat making). Basically I think I could give you a huge list if we had enough time!

 Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Shopping locally is putting your hard earned money into the livelihoods of an indie artist or shop owner that works so passionately and hard to do what they do - rather than giving your money to huge corporations that focus on mass production, often at the expense of quality and the impact it has on our environment. Shopping locally keeps our highstreets alive and really does mean the world to the artist and shopkeeper, plus you are guaranteed to purchase something that is more unique.

Taster Jesmonite Workshop in aid of Coppafeel!

On Sunday 2nd March we're bringing you a special taster version of our ever popular Jesmonite Coaster Workshop

In this mini workshop you'll make one coaster / trinket tray using a choice of premade coloured shards and a white jesmonite base.

You'll leave your coaster to dry and should be able to collect it later that day, or pop into Chirpy anytime afterwards to collect it.

This workshop is suitable for age 7+ however anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If ther accompanying adult would also like to make a coaster then please book an additional ticket.

Jesmonite is an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly and safe lightweight product which is perfect for creating beautiful design.

This workshop will run 3 times on Sunday 2nd March

Booking is essential - please arrive on time as this is a short workshop

£10PP - all proceeds will go towards COPPAFEEL! the breast cancer charity as part of Jo’s fund-raising for her 100km trek on the Isle of Skye in June

Tickets for 12:30pm session available here

Tickets for 1:30pm session available here

Tickets for 2:30pm session available here

Chapel Allerton Indies : The Biskery

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs.

This week we’re focusing on The Biskery, a local online biscuit company.

To get to know The Biskery a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Lisa & Saskia …

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

We are Lisa and Saskia, co-founders of The Biskery, and online business specialising in branded and personalised biscuits for special occasions and events. We are a core team of six women, and also work with seasonal and more casual helpers. We bake to order only, using high quality local ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Our biscuits are the only branded biscuits in the UK to have received a Great Taste and a Great British Food award. The real product however is kindness. Our biscuits are vessels for human connection and appreciation.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

We met at a digital marketing agency where we both worked in the international department. Lisa is German, Saskia is Dutch. When we both had kids, we felt that there had to be more to life than a 9-5 office job. We both loved baking, it was our way to connect with each other. So we started selling good from our home countries at local farmers markets.

Our digital marketing background helped us create an online presence, and being found on Google, which led to corporate orders from the likes of Amazon, Karl Lagerfeld and Monzo.

The pandemic was the turning point. B2B froze, B2C grew 400%, and we were brave enough to take the leap. We quit the other job, hired a team, and rented a commercial kitchen. We have grown YoY since then and not looked back

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Saskia mainly works on the marketing, Lisa works on business development.

Our days start by being mums: working hard to get everyone out of the house on time. We drop our kids at school and then go to work. We work from home part of the week. We work on promoting our business via our newsletter, social media and website communications, we write blog posts, connect with key stakeholders, go to networking events, attend panels and other speaking gigs, do workshops, crunch numbers, engage with our team and clients, quality control, eat a few biscuits and rush back to the school gate by 15:15 before the 2nd“job” of the day takes over.

Biggest achievement to date?

 We have worked with incredible brands such as Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi. Being trusted with large orders by high-end clients felt like a huge achievement. We have also just managed to grow year on year after losing our biggest client in September. Building such a strong network of ambassadors and supporters here in Leeds humbles us.

Favourite product you make?

Our jam biscuits have won a Great Taste award for a reason. They are still baked to Lisa’s German granny’d recipe, and taste just like hers.

Our Lebkuchen, a German Christmas biscuit, have also won a Great Taste award and taste divine, like Christmas in a tin!

Those are the products we get the most comments and reviews about when it comes to taste.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

 Best: being able to shape something that suits your values and life. Being your own boss and having freedom.

Worst: not being able to really ever switch off (so much for freedom…)

Favourite time of your in the business?

 I love January as it is full of motivation and opportunity. We get really busy for Christmas, so January feels like the breather we need to rise, stronger and wiser than the year before, and do it all again, but bigger, and even better.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 Oooh I love this question! So many! I will say George & Joseph so I could shamelessly snack on their amazing cheeses for a day.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

More of the same, but more of it. Clearer focus on the wider impact of our biscuits: kindness, appreciation, human connection. 

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

 Small indie businesses are usually run by people with a dream and strong values. Whatever they are, chances are they are to benefit the community, to fight loneliness, to support the economy in a sustainable way, to make our highstreets richer and livelier, to bring people together and spread joy (and kindness!), while treading more lightly on our planet.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

 Saskia and I nearly stole a pallet from someone’s front garden here in North Leeds once (not so kind!) in a desperate attempt to get a huge delivery to a large client on time. Luckily the courier had a different solution, but it shows the length we go to so you get your biscuits on time…!

 Where can we find you?

We are at 107 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS8 4DN

Online we are:

https://www.thebiskery.com/  

And on socials: @thebiskery

Focus on ... BuzemanArt

This month we’re focusing on Joyce from BuzemanArt. Joyce has been running painting workshops at Chirpy for the last couple of years and we’ve seen some amazing results. From Bears to Highland Cows, Frost Forests to Seaside scenes her workshops have given lots of people the confidence to paint again or even for the first time.

To get to know Joyce a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hi my name is Joyce, I am an artist who loves colour. It always amazes me how colour (light) changes the mood , shape and feel of things. I love to explore and experiment with colours. You can see this is my work which I class as representative but not realistic. Besides my own art I love to introduce people to acrylic painting in my workshops and have been working with Chirpy for the 3rd year running.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I started painting in 2003 joining a local art club with a brilliant art teacher who pushed me further all the time. 7 years ago we joined a local art exhibition with lots of professional artists, where I sold a couple of my paintings. It was the first step to becoming a professional artist.  

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There is not really a ‘normal’ day. I try to start the day with ‘practicing/playing/exploring’ new ideas. Some of these turn out into workshops. I then might work on new workshops or my own work. This is then followed by promoting my workshops, answering emails, and prepping workshops. And obviously doing my workshops whenever they are planned. 

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

My business. After 7 years I am still running and growing. It has taught me to think ahead and to push myself and go outside of my comfort zone. 

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

My Mum's portrait in lockdown - its was a very emotional piece

Best thing about running your own business?

The freedom to work they way I want and the ability to plan that around my family needs (most of the time) 

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Now painting is my business, the pressure is on all the time, which I never had when it was a hobby - I now need another hobby for relaxation.

Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

I love to explore fabric printing a bit further

What do you love best about running workshops?

I have the best ‘job’. Often people attend my workshops being very nervous, sometimes very stressed, some don’t think they are very good, lacking self belief.. I love their faces at the end of the session; relaxed, full of pride, achievement and confidence, seeing what they have created in such a short time

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

We are passionate about our product, our business and our customers. That's why we go above and beyond to get it right. You won’t find that at a chain or high street company. People attending my workshops are supporting 2 businesses. Cooperate with other small businesses, we bring the best of both worlds together. Every venue has its own atmosphere and product to the package. We ensure you have a great time and go home with a product that you will be proud to show to your friends and family.

You can join Joyce on her next workshop on Thursday 8th May to paint your very own Bluebell Wood - click HERE to find out more and book

Chapel Allerton Indies : The Hearing Space

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs.

This week we’re focusing on The Hearing Space, an independent hearing and audiology practice owned and run by Paul.

To get to know The Hearing Space a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Paul …

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

Hi, my name is Paul Shaw. I own The Hearing Space, an independent hearing and audiology practice tucked away in Regent House (above Sukhothai). Currently, there is just me!

 How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I previously worked as an audiologist in the NHS and later as a lecturer in audiology at the University of Leeds. Many years ago, as a student at Leeds University, I developed tinnitus, which led to my interest in all things ear-related.

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 Typically, I see people for ear issues, often blocked ears due to earwax. I also perform hearing tests on adults and children and fit hearing aids. When not seeing clients, I do the many things that most small business owners do. I manage my website and do all my graphic design myself, too.  As a fairly new business, I am still trying to get more people to know I am here, which is always a work in progress. Oh, coffee breaks are part of every day. Thankfully, in Chapel Allerton, there are many places to get caffeine!

Most significant achievement to date?

 As anyone who has set up a business knows, the first few years can be difficult. I am grateful for the many fantastic reviews I have received and recommendations from people who have been to see me.

Personally, I think that surviving the lack of sleep that having young children brings has to be worth some sort of medal. Thankfully, they are sleeping well now!

 Most valued service offered?

I see many children for hearing tests, either because they have a speech and language delay or appear not to be hearing. I was a specialist paediatric audiologist for many years, so using the skills I initially trained in is good. Being a parent also adds another dimension to what I offer, and so parents really value my service.

 Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running a business is having complete control over what I do and not spending endless hours in meetings like I used to. You will know what I mean if you have worked in the NHS, Education, or any other large organisation. Oh, and also having a coffee break whenever I want!

 The worst thing about running a business is sometimes not switching off from work. There is always something to do, some call to return, or email to reply to. It is an ongoing challenge and one to work on this year!

 Favourite time of your in the business?

 I am busy most of the time, with quieter times around Christmas and the New Year. This is probably the opposite of the retail businesses in Chapel Allerton. Most people put off their health issues around Christmas, so the New Year can be busier for me.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

Probably Paria. Cycling and coffee are a perfect match. I used to cycle a lot, and my self-taught barista skills would make me a good employee for a day!

 Plans for 2025 / the future?

Ideally, I would open a shop-front business in Chapel Allerton. Most people who come to see me don’t know I am there. What I offer as a business is much more than the typical high-street hearing care providers, and I would love to stay in Chapel Allerton when I expand.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Independents offer much more than the high-street providers. Expertise, authenticity, and a community focus. Chapel Allerton is fortunate to have such a mix of businesses and services, and alongside the markets and local entertainment, we should all support our local businesses.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

It's best to ask my two girls! I dread to think what they would say! 

Where can we find you?

The Hearing Space

Suite 8, Regent House

15 Hawthorn Rd

Leeds

LS7 4PH

Opening times

Mon - Friday            9 - 5

Sat                              9-2

thehearingspace.co.uk

hello@thehearingspace.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/thehearingspace 

https://www.instagram.com/thehearingspace/