Mum-of-seven Naomi Messer started Apple Snaps as a stall on Blackheath Market selling baby clothing and goods but had to close the venture due to the Covid lockdowns.
Some business owners may have thought twice about returning to a physical store but Naomi saw an opportunity and with help from husband John found an empty property in Blackheath High Street.
John, a builder by trade, spent five months renovating the derelict former bank building and the couple, both 40, opened their doors to customers in April as Covid restrictions eased.
Store director Naomi said she wanted to create something more than a regular baby store.
She had a vision for a community project with groups, clubs and classes running alongside the shop and she said: “We’re trying our best to achieve this dream, with new clubs and classes in the pipeline as well as an array of high-quality products.”
As well as stocking a range of baby clothes, prams, cots, keepsakes, toys and maternity products, the business hosts birthday parties and sessions for mums and toddlers to get together.
On Mondays and Tuesdays there are sensory classes for little ones up to 18 months and on Wednesdays and Thursdays there are sessions for pre-school children up to age four. On Fridays adults can enjoy a knit and natter get together with a cuppa and a cake.
Plans are also afoot to hold seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas.
Naomi said: “We’re creating a community here and our customers have become friends.”
Her mum Caron Runham, who provides support with business finances, has also been developing her own community group Spiral Planet, dedicated to spirituality, which meets at the premises.
To find out more about the shop visit https://applesnaps.co.uk/
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