Yorkshire PR consultant launches new online store

A Yorkshire PR consultant has launched a new online store, which will operate from her home town of Ilkley.

Katy Barraclough, who worked in PR for the last 14 years, is now running haykinshop.com, which features a collection of homewares and style finds from around the globe, as well as products from Ilkley and York.

Along with ceramics from Italy and pastel-hued paper art from San Francisco, the new store also sells colour-block cushions designed and handmade in Ilkley and colourful wooden birds from York.

Through local and global sourcing, Haykin aims to represent designers, makers and small brands that share an aesthetic that is colourful and dynamic by design.

The four store sections - living, stationery, accessories and little ones - features handpicked, range goods including storage, cushions, ceramics, stationery, jewellery, bags and tech cases.

In addition, a children’s department is devoted to decorative accessories and smart storage solutions.

Since leaving her job as a PR consultant, Katy has spent the last 10 months pursuing products for the store. From trade fairs in Stockholm, Paris and Amsterdam to Instagram and Pinterest marathons, the search for goods has has led her to a group of designers, makers and independent brands.

Katy said: “Nothing beats the thrill of finding an inspiring new brand or work you have never seen before so, where possible, I have tried to keep this in mind when sourcing stock.

“My pre-occupation with colour, pattern, form and function dates back to my late teens as an art student in Bingley, discovering artists like Mondrian and Saltaire icon, Hockney. I was particularly enamoured with Hockney’s use of bold, brave pastel colours and, for me, his work transformed my appreciation of art: I saw that it could be playful and exciting while still telling a story.

“With Haykin, I wanted to create a store that echoed this balance of colour and purpose: the bolds, brights and pastels bring personality and intrigue but a clean, clever design style ensures everything is useful and, where possible, timeless.”

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