Courage and creativity in Lagos

As locations go, this one is pretty good, isn’t it?

Nina Bradley: “That’s where the recession has helped us! Before it took hold and businesses started closing down, rents were prohibitive in Lagos. We’d have needed a cooperative of 10 people to take on a place like this – but even so, we’re being incredibly brave. We have to survive a winter – four or five months when we don’t know if we’re going to make enough money to even pay the rent. But the way I see it we will actually be bringing up the tone of the centre. Lagos needs a shop like this.

There really aren’t any others like it – shops selling handmade items from local craftspeople. Up until quite recently, the town used to support its artists. We used to have the Slave Market and the Armazém Regimental to exhibit in throughout the year - but they’re now no longer available. We felt it was time for us to try and help ourselves.”

There must be quite a few other arts and crafts people locally who also need more exposure?

Nina Bradley: Undoubtedly! Right now we’re negotiating with a couple of people who make things in wood, to see if they’d like to come on board. Ideally, we need to be a cooperative of five: that way we can continue to get on with our creative work, and share expenses more easily.

Will running a shop get in the way of your creativity?

Sandie Croft: Well we’re hoping not too much. The idea is for more of a craft studio, than a regular shop. Whoever is on duty will be able to get on with their work at the table here. I can’t actually make soaps in the shop, but I can package things and mix creams, or practise new songs that I have to learn. (Sandy is also part of husband and wife singing duo Saraband).

Nina Bradley: I can make beads and wire.

Gaia Lina: And I can make my scarves or work with felt – which is another part of my creative work. For me, this is my “last chance”, in a way. I had reached the point where I honestly didn’t know if I could stay in Portugal any longer. I’d even tried getting a job through the local job centre, and was sent to a laundry to fold towels … and then sacked for being a foreigner! I’ve tried gardening, cooking in a resort – and then I thought to myself “what is it that I really want to do?” The scarves are IT!

Nina Bradley: We’re all passionate about what we do. I’ve been making jewellery as a professional jeweller for 30 years. I wouldn’t know what else to do…

Christmas is (unfortunately) round the corner. Do you think your business has what it takes to encourage people in?

Gaia Lina: It’s the perfect place for an original gift! Everything here is made with a very good energy – for sure, people will want to buy special presents here!

Sandie Croft: And prices start from as little as €3.50…