An independent fashion boutique featuring body-positive messaging and a creative studio space is to open in Hull’s Fruit Market urban village.
Tessies is the latest venture to sign up to join the creative community on Humber Street in the heart of the Fruit Market, bringing its collection of stylish clothing, jewellery and accessories to the thriving waterfront area.
Inspired by the artistic atmosphere of the trendy district, Tessies owner Nicola Gibbons is looking forward to moving early in the New Year to a larger unit on Humber Street from the store’s current location on Newland Avenue in Hull.
She said: “We can’t wait to join the Fruit Market community! There’s an arty, creative atmosphere in Humber Street and the businesses aren’t afraid to express themselves or try different things – I’m really looking forward to being part of that.
“The Tessies brand is colourful, fun and a bit kooky and we have a really loyal customer base who love our style. We don’t just to sell to people, we sell to personalities and we’re passionate about what we do.”
Originally from Liverpool, Nicola moved to Hull 11 years ago and is achieving an ambition to join the growing community of businesses in Hull’s rapidly-evolving waterfront district.
She said: “I love the vibe of the Fruit Market area and being so close to the water.
“When I first moved to Hull I visited the marina and couldn’t believe there was so little there at that time. In Liverpool there’s so much going on near the water, so when businesses started popping up around the waterfront I really wanted to be part of it.”
The larger, 1,000 sq ft premises will also accommodate a creative studio where Nicola will run classes and workshops in everything from jewellery making to creative writing and meditation.
“I’m really looking forward to running classes and workshops in our new studio space,” Nicola added. “We want it to be a really welcoming place where people who aren’t very confident can come and try something new.
“My vision is that people will gather together, express themselves in all sorts of different and creative ways and learn something new. We want to be accessible to all.”
Named after Nicola’s grandmother, Tessies opened nine years ago and stocks brands such as Daphnea; Daisy Street; Nova; and Neon Rose – both in store and online.
“We stock brands that you can’t buy anywhere else in this area and we change them often, so our style is always fresh and exciting,” said Nicola. “We offer great fashion for everyone – from students to great grandmas!”
Motivational phrases adorn the walls of the shop with positive messages such as “If you like it, wear it”, and “Say nice things to your body”.
Nicola added: “Part of the vibe of Tessies is about empowering women to love themselves and have a positive body image. It’s something that we’re passionate about and promote in all that we do.”
Anna Carter has worked at Tessies as manager for eight years. She said: “I think opening in the Fruit Market is a brilliant opportunity for us as it’s such a creative part of Hull to visit and spend your leisure time.
“We’re looking forward to being really active in the Humber Street community and working together to promote all the other fab businesses in the area – we can’t wait!”
Independent, creative businesses, shops, galleries and restaurants are the beating heart of the transformed Fruit Market. The reinvention of the area is being driven forward by Wykeland Beal, the regeneration company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of the Fruit Market LLP joint venture with Hull City Council
Tom Watson, Development Surveyor for Wykeland, speaking on behalf of Wykeland Beal, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Fruit Market.
“As more buildings are renovated and new builds are nearing completion, we’re experiencing high demand from independent businesses like Tessies who want to be part of this unique community.”
You can follow Tessies on Twitter and Instagram @Tessies_; on Facebook @lovetessies; and on Pinterest at @tessiehearts.
