KRISTINA'S
Kirkgate, Thirsk
Sustainable Shopping
People and Planet
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Business has a huge role to play in tackling the big social and environmental challenges of our time.
Kristina’s on Kirkgate (look for the signature rainbow logo and the vibrant window display) is certainly doing its bit for people and planet with a range of carefully researched, ethical and sustainable Fair Trade products, including a best-selling selection of plastic-saving refills, organic cotton baby clothes and a popular collection of wooden toys handcrafted in a Sri Lankan cooperative called Lanka Kade.
Shop owner Kristina talked to Thirsk Friends about how it all started nearly ten years ago, the work that goes into researching suitable products, the challenges of running the shop and her plans for the future.
“It was always my dream to open a shop and have my own business. I didn’t want to just open any shop selling anything, though. When I originally started, I knew that I wanted to be an ethical business, and so my focus back then was Fair Trade.”
“As I have grown and progressed with the business, I have become much more interested in sustainability as a whole. For me it’s people and planet, there is no point in protecting the planet if we’re exploiting people. We must do both.”​​​​​​​​​​
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​​Sustainable roots
As a child Kristina found herself supporting various local and worldwide charities through school. Inspired by her geography teacher, she was involved in various projects, including a Fair Trade initiative for tea farmers called Equali-tea. For Kristina Fair Trade makes sense – it’s part of her.
“For me, trade not aid is really important. Giving people in less fortunate countries dignity is vital. People who are supported with their business and not given hand outs can sustain their business for the future. People want to work and support their families. By purchasing and selling Fair Trade you put that support network in place”.
Diversifying the range
Following several years of success, customer requests and a growing appreciation for sustainability, Kristina introduced refills to her range.
“It really evolved from there, as people come in for their refills, they often ask for new things. It’s led to stocking all kinds of products from laundry liquids, tin foil, bin bags and other household items. I try my best to find locally made goods; the refills are from a local place in West Yorkshire. Anything I can’t find locally I stick to my Fair Trade ethos.”
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What do Kristina’s customers think?
While we were talking, Christine and Tom – on holiday from Jarrow – popped in to buy a couple of brightly coloured hand-made China mugs. “I wouldn’t come to Thirsk and not stop off at Kristina’s,” says Christine with a big smile. “We love the choice. Everything’s amazing!”
What’s next for Kristina’s?
“A bigger place would be great, but rents are so expensive. I’d love to expand my clothing range. I think ethical and sustainable clothing is so important, and right now I can only stock baby and children’s clothing due to the size of my shop. I’d love to be able to stock more adult clothing, add more refills, some different brands – more choice. Maybe a little café, too, in the shop, where people can just come and have a chat. If there’s a cup of tea involved and a comfortable chair to sit on, that would be lovely!”
Kristina’s is a shop with a conscience. You can purchase with the knowledge that you are supporting a local independent shop that has lovingly picked each item with care, putting both people and planet first.
