Gaia Homeware opened the doors of its first shop at 21 High Street, Westerham, in November 2021. Since then, it has successfully expanded its footprint to the Folkestone Harbour Arm, as well as showcasing its beautiful eco-friendly products at a number of prestigious festivals around the south of England. These include the annual Food and Festive Fair at Hampton Court, the BBC Good Food Festival at Goodwood Racecourse and, excitingly, the annual Spirit of Christmas Fair at London’s Olympia.
The business was founded by mother and daughter team Laura and Alex. The concept for the business began in summer 2019, when Alex spotted a rather beautiful piece of driftwood washed up on a shore in Scotland. She used it to create a table for her garden, and subsequently received multiple requests from friends and family to make similar pieces for them. She launched her Etsy shop in 2020, featuring an array of items made from reclaimed wood, in various sizes and stains. Commissions quickly grew, and soon she was making up to 60 pieces a month, and sending them to customers as far away as Italy, North America and Australia.
Hand-made and eco-friendly
Gaia’s environmental ethos is underpinned by Laura and Alex’s passion for protecting the planet, and they spend a lot of time researching the credentials of the products they sell. Alex’s love of working with wood has inspired her to design beautiful, sustainable items, and her serving boards, chopping blocks and other hand-crafted creations are showcased in the shop, together with other homeware items, including a range of luxurious throws and cushions and stunning tableware.
Gaia also offers a bespoke furniture-making service, and Alex can be contacted through their website, or via Instagram, to make an appointment to discuss your requirements.
Refill station
This year has seen Gaia open a plastic-free refill station, featuring carefully selected brands of laundry detergent, fabric softener and a variety of cleaning products, with scented and unscented options. You can also restock with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand and body lotion from eco-brand Faith in Nature. Bring your own containers, or there are bottles in-store that can be purchased and re-used. As well as this, Gaia also stocks a wide range of food products, including organic pulses and pasta, pre-packed porridge, and Fairtrade coffee, as well as vegan chocolate and a vast selection of herbs, spices and sauces.
New items are regularly added to the shop’s displays, but never more so than for the festive season. With a wonderful selection of gifting ideas, from stocking fillers to a main present for that special somebody, you are sure to find something for everybody on your list!
There will always be a warm welcome at Gaia when you stop by to have a browse and check out its new ranges. Come and say hello whenever you are in Westerham.
Discover more at gaia-homeware.com and by following @gaiahomewareuk on Instagram.
Visit Gaia Homeware at 21 High Street, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1RA. The shop is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays between 11:00 – 17:00, and Sundays between 11:00 – 16:00.
