Good morning, afternoon or evening. I’m Gemma, an ex HR professional (I use that term loosely) turned Shopkeeper (Interiors), Stylist & Photographer. In 2016 after 27 years in Corporate (at the age of 42, everybody said I shouldn’t do it) I left to try my hand at a creative career. And here we are hanging out on a writing platform. Who even am I?

The shop is Wattle & Daub - a 16th - century Tudor building on Church Street, Godalming, full of objects I can’t help bringing home, plus the photography, styling and creative direction work I do for other small businesses with soul.

My other alias is @wattleanddaubhome (over on Instagram), where I behave much more professionally and share pictures of my never ending need to repaint the house.

What do I write about?

Each week, I’ll pick one object from the shop floor - something found, sourced, or sold - and tell you its story. Beyond that, I intend to share life as a creative bumbling their way along this journey, plus my thoughts, ideas and observations some of which are funny, and some not so funny. I will no doubt write a lot about dogs - my whippet and wire fox terrier included, plus any I just randomly meet in the street or shop.

I will share a piece of writing between two and four times a month. Anymore and I will be writing cheques my hand can’t cash.

How do subscriptions work?

At this time all content is free for all to read.

Anyone is welcome (and encouraged) to subscribe. If you subscribe to my newsletter you’ll receive every new post by email, so you won’t miss anything.

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

I’d LOVE you to join me below – it’s easy to do and only takes an email address.

Gemma x

Stay up-to-date

Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

User's avatar

Subscribe to Shopkeeper Ramblings

A corporate turned creative later in life sharing my insights, ideas and observations in this new chapter. Shopkeeper, photographer & stylist documenting what I have loved (and haven't loved), what I have found and what I have made this week.

People