Shiv
The admin and social media queen, keeping the paperwork moving and telling the internet what we’re up to.
This seemed like a good idea at the time
Three best friends opened a craft shop
We’re Shiv, Sam and Zarina, the three friends behind The Kiwi Fruit is Cute.
One day we thought, “How hard can running a craft shop be?” We have since learned the answer, but we’re still here and the shop is fuller than ever.
Why we did it
The sort of craft shop we wanted to find
We wanted somewhere friendly, colourful and completely free of craft-shop snobbery. A place where you can ask what something does, admit you have no idea how much fabric you need or arrive with a project that has gone a bit wrong.
So alongside all the fabric, yarn and haberdashery, we run workshops, free Make & Mingle sessions and give shelf space to local makers. The people matter just as much as the stuff.
The three behind it
A surprisingly functional amount of chaos
We all bring something different. This is helpful, because none of us could sensibly do all of it alone.
Sam
The merchandiser, curator and big brain behind most of our wild ideas.
Zarina
The one attempting to keep the other two organised. A heroic and largely thankless task.
Kiwi Community Craft Project
Same people, two separate things
The Kiwi Fruit is Cute is our independent craft shop. Kiwi Community Craft Project is a separate community project being set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
The project is focused on free and affordable craft sessions, reducing loneliness, supporting wellbeing and helping people build skills and confidence through creativity.
It is not yet a registered charity. Keeping the two separate means customers can clearly see what belongs to the shop and what belongs to the community project.
Come and see the chaos in person
We’re upstairs at Normandy House
Come in for supplies, help with a project or just a look around. We’re very happy to answer questions, including the ones you think are silly.
First Floor, Normandy House, 305–309 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3HW