How Bizaar!

I had the pleasure of discovering this super Market gem today. It’s situated fairly close to the back of the Market, so you’ve quite a menagerie of stalls to wander past to get to it, but it’s certainly worth navigating down to for a look around. The sparkling vintage garments immediately attracted me over, and with a friend explaining about the hand crafted jewellery, I was in my element.
Hand died ties, beautiful silver work earrings, an assortment of intriguing clothing and other gift items make this a great place to shop for something sparkly and something unique. Even the stall holder was sat crafting away as we browsed, and was rather friendly to boot. If you’re headed Market-​ways ensure you stop by, if only to appreciate the wondeful hand made items from a variety of local crafters. Lovely!

How Bizaar! is a brilliant idea, giving small businesses the chance to display their wares for 12 weeks for free! This gives them the chance to make their ideas a reality and encourages them to assess their creations, selecting the best ones for their small area of the shop. By having a stall for 12 weeks in the market they are able to test the popularity of their products and gain customers who may spread the word.
For shoppers it is a unique experience, with a dozen or more shops within a shop, each selling unique and beautiful hand made products. My personal favourite (whose name I’m afraid to say I’ve forgotten) sold cute vintage-​look dresses that appeared to have been re-​made from second hand garments, with many floral fabrics and button fastenings. Mim’s Couture was also very memorable with unusual ball gowns and skirts in striking fabrics. Apparently it is going to be moving into a nearby stall, so its experience of How Bizaar must have been a success! There were also many other lovely bits and bobs including bags, glassware and jewellery. If you’re looking for a unique gift look no further! And you’ll get a nice warm feeling knowing that you’re supporting a fledgling business that’s just finding its feet.
Despite Leeds Kirkgate market not seeming the most sought after location for a new business selling unique hand-​crafted items, when I was browsing the shop there were several people who stopped by for a look… and if other How Bizaar! businesses followed in Mim’s Couture’s footsteps and opened a shop nearby, just think what a thriving bazaar of unique independent businesses Leeds Kirkgate Market could become!

Sharing the Success is a government funded programme which aims to regenerate areas of Leeds. There are many projects using the programme to create new jobs, enhance prospects and develop businesses in the city. An active example of a business within the scheme is a stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market called How Bizaar!
Described as a business stall where ideas come to life, it offers local people a twelve week stretch to sell their wares, to gauge the public interest of their product. It seems like an excellent scheme to be involved in, the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial astuteness, receive business guidance and exposure.
Some of the businesses that are exhibiting their goods currently, include Vicky’s Crafty Arts who presents photographs in a more accessible way, rather than being stuck in books which are rarely browsed. She displays them via scrap booking, card making, and can make paper mache products to order. There were a ready made array of them when I visited the stall, they are vibrant in colour and seem almost African-​inspired.
Sanashzak offers a range of ceramic plates and bowls, at very affordable prices. There were also greetings cards, screen prints and various handbags made from recycled materials. Angel Silk stocked many silk scarves and ties, celestial in colour and soft to touch.
Mim’s Couture was my favourite section of the stall. This business designs dresses, and the style and quality of them are fabulous. Often using unusually patterned fabrics, the hems are at playful lengths and the product screams of total originality. Mim’s Couture also offer a complete dressmaking service for formal events, with wedding and prom dresses available. There would be no danger of somebody else arriving in an identical outfit if you attended a social event in one of these creations!
There are many more businesses brandishing their wares on the How Bizaar! stall. It is a brilliant way for local people to raise the profile of their product, with the guidance of a supportive and interactive government scheme. Well worth a visit.