The studio was engulphed when a fire broke out at Broadmead Industrial Estate last month
Chantal Preston and Ruby Baker’s sewing company was destroyed in a fire last month(Image: RC Designs)
A pair of Bristol friends whose sewing company was destroyed in a fire last month are raising funds to relaunch the business. Chantal Preston, 35, and Ruby Baker, 25, established RC Bespoke Designs early last year, working from a studio in Keynsham.
The duo joined forces after meeting through Bristol’s Narrowboat community, and set up on Broadmead Industrial Estate where they made bespoke soft furnishings.
They had already secured work with a number of local businesses, including landing their first large-scale job – an awning for the marina – and were preparing a big social media launch when disaster struck.
On January 19, a fire broke out on the industrial estate and in less than an hour, the flames had torn through multiple buildings, including Chantal and Ruby’s offices.
Twelve Avon Fire and Rescue engines were called to the scene but the rented studio and all its contents were destroyed. It is still not known how the fire was started. One person was taken to hospital at the time, but nobody was badly hurt, according to Chantal.
The fire at the industrial estate in Keynsham in January(Image: Handout)
“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously hurt, but the loss has been overwhelming,” she said.
“This studio wasn’t just a business, it was our livelihood, our creative home and a place we poured our time, money and heart into. Our studio was an attic space…the roof and second floor no longer exist. It didn’t stand a chance.”
Chantal and Ruby lost years worth of tools, stock and client’s work which was ready for collecting, as well as personal life storage.
“It was all gone in an instant,” she said.
The pair have now set up a Gofundme page in the hope of raising enough money to get back on their feet.
“We desperately need the help of our community,” said Chantal. “Our work is impossible without tools and a space to work.”
Chantal and Ruby have been provided with workspace for three months for free, but still need to restock tools and equipment including a pattern master; thread; fabric; iron; shelving; storage; tables for sewing machines; a large table for cutting fabric; metre rule; rotary cutter; adjustable chairs; and a cutting board.
“If anyone could spare a moment to check out and share our fundraiser on GoFundMe it would mean the world,” added Chantal. “Small businesses have to fight really hard to come back from losses of such devastation, and oftentimes don’t succeed alone, especially in this crazy climate.
“We also would welcome any haberdashery tools, or machines, that people may be selling cheaply, or throwing out. We’d love to give them a new home.
“Thank you for supporting us during one of the most devastating moments of our journey. We can’t wait to rebuild and come back stronger.”