Just Smile Designs in York named a finalist in retail award

Just Smile Designs started out as a dream of Kerry Elstob’s in 2017.

An artist, Kerry had created a collection of trinkets based on her own designs and illustrations and began selling them at local craft fairs and markets.

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Success came quickly after she secured a shipping container in SPARK, York.

And in 2019 she was able to open her very own brick and mortar shop in Bootham.

Kerry’s designs feature on intricate keepsakes sold in her (Image: Just Smile Designs)

She said: “This was just a few months before lockdown – a worrying and challenging time for everyone.

“But it also gave me time to work on my designs and online presence.”

Kerry runs her shop with her mum, who helps the artist sew her creations.

Just Smile Designs in Bootham (Image: Just Smile Designs)

The shop sells everything from greeting cards to bags, clothing, hand-painted crockery and household items.

Kerry said: “My illustrations are whimsical with a cottage core aesthetic.

“I love drawing cute animals, flowers and anything nature related.”

“I hope my designs brighten up their day, leaving them with a smile on their face.” (Image: Just Smile Designs)

Kerry said she wants her customers, who visit from across the world, to feel “welcomed and relaxed”.

She said: “I hope my designs brighten up their day, leaving them with a smile on their face – hence my business name ‘Just Smile Designs’.

“It’s so nice to have a community of people who have now become friends since opening my little pink shop.”

The shop sells everything from greeting cards to bags, clothing, hand-painted crockery and household items (Image: Just Smile Designs)

Just Smile Designs is the seventh finalist in the Press’ Best Independent Retailer competition.

It comes after thousands of our readers nominated their favourite spot in the city.

Speaking about this, Kerry said: “It was so nice to be nominated and then make the top 10 with other fabulous independent businesses.

“It is a lovely feeling to know that other people appreciate what you are doing and hopefully my work puts a smile on their faces.”

The next step of the awards is now open, and readers are being encouraged to vote for their favourite finalist by filling out voting slips attached to each edition of the paper until Thursday (May 14).