Ethel loves a maker

Prominent in the High Street of Rye is the lovely Ethel Loves Me, a shop full of unique, handmade and wonderful items created and made by local people.

The owners, Jason and Jo Dorey, started their venture with their friend Matthew, and opened their first shop in 2017 in a small premises in East Street. They quickly found that position and space were important so looked for a bigger premises in 2018. They found the shop on the High Street, which is now brimming with items. Matthew has since left the business to focus on his job at Outside in Charity and writing.

It appears many talented creative people live within and around Rye. Jo and Jason work with local makers, artists, crafters, artisans and authors to fill Ethels with some amazing and unique pieces providing opportunity and joy to the creatives, and as well as the shop there are regular exhibitions and workshops. Ethels is definitely a one-off, full of character and charm within the vibrant shop decor spreading joy to those who visit.

When asked how Ethels came about, Jo and Jason explained that their daughter was looking at the studio school at the time, which was for creatives. Following a conversation with the head teacher, many further meetings, and being very impressed by the quality of the students’ work, the idea came about to help promote the students within a shop environment, to essentially sell their work.

I asked how the name came about. Jason spoke of simply being in the pub trying to figure out a few things and the thinking behind what the shop ethos was going to be, ethical being the main one. “We are all about being ethical, cruelty free and being kind and loving to the planet.” Writing some words down as ideas for names, Ethel stood out and that was that, the addition of “loves me” was made and now Ethel Loves Me is spoken of by many. Ethel certainly spreads the love.

Unfortunately, shortly after opening the shop, the studio school closed which meant finding other creatives. Determined, Jason and Jo found many more local creators and makers to supply the store and have not looked back, as the shop is certainly brimming with quirky, unique and one off pieces.

Jason said: “It brings the creator some validation and positivity, it helps give them a boost and confidence to carry on. Our aim is to showcase, promote and continue to support local creatives and talented individuals to bring their products to market along with showcasing and supporting emerging new talent as well.”

Ethel Loves Me were asked to vote on work by creatives taking the Designer Maker course at Hastings College, and the winner now have their incredible work on display in the store.

Eight years on and Ethel Loves Me have opened a second shop in Tenterden with the hope of more to come once the right areas are found, which is great to hear and will give even more talented people to be found.

So if you’re looking for unusual, locally made one-off items all made with love along with books written by local authors and many different greeting cards, beautiful perfumes and body care products (all cruelty free) then Ethel Loves Me is where it’s at so it’s a must to pop in and find something incredible.

Please pop in or get in touch via email ethel@ethelloves.me or visit the website www.ethelloves.me for more information.

Image Credits: Carolyn Gould .