A homewares store stocking unique pieces created by Cornish crafters is the latest new business to launch in Nansledan, the Duchy of Cornwall’s extension to the Cornish seaside town of Newquay.
Despite having to overcome delays and obstacles caused by coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Teylu Trading opened in June and has already enjoyed a busy period of trading – supported greatly by Nansledan residents.
The family-run business has seen many customers who have opted to shop closer to home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, and the owners are hopeful this shift in shopping habits will become a permanent change which will help them establish a new creative hub for the Nansledan community.
Lizy Drinkwater started the business in the spring with her father, brother and sister-in-law, with the name inspired by their connection as Teylu means ‘family’ in Cornish.
Teylu Trading sources and stocks locally created products from many Cornish crafters, including candlemakers, potters, ceramists and jewellers, as well as paintings from an artist in Nansladen, locally produced macramé and home-made face masks, cushions and textiles.
Thrifted second-hand bamboo furniture from Cornwall is stocked alongside upcycled rattan items, and there is also a refill station to support Teylu’s commitment to sustainability.
As a former resident of Nansledan, Lizy knew and recommended the area for the family’s shop unit.
Plans to open in March were delayed owing to the lockdown and Teylu finally opened on June 12th, with safety measures in place including a one-way system, hand sanitising station and customer limits to help manage social distancing.
Lizy said: “It’s a strange time to be opening a shop and we’ve had to adapt but we’re amazed at how well it’s gone, and the incredible support we’ve had from the fantastic community here in Nansledan.
“Since opening, I’ve met so many lovely people and people have been really supportive, from the other businesses already here to the residents who come in regularly.
“People want to get out and visit the shops now but there is a community of elderly residents in Nansledan who are understandably wary of going too far afield, and many people are still isolating. We’ve seen our small community become a mini town with a lot of people, especially older residents, choosing to shop more locally.
“Some residents pop in just for a chat and the social experience, and it’s like a return to a Cornwall of old, with more shopping locally within your own community.”
Customers are able to browse the variety of Cornish hand-made items alongside homewares from across Europe. There is also a distinct Scandinavian feel to the store which is a deliberate inclusion as Lizy’s sister-in-law is Norwegian. Items such as woven baskets from Denmark are available, and there is a Scandi-style design feel to the store’s layout and stock lines.
In the future, Lizy and her family hope to expand the business into a craft hub with classes in pottery, arts and crafts, as well as mindfulness and meditation sessions.
“We’d love Teylu to become a creative space in the future for people to teach their skills,” Lizy explained. “In the meantime, we’re evolving the business to provide online sales alongside the store, which helps us to plan for the future given the current climate.”
Ben Murphy, Estate Director at the Duchy of Cornwall said: “Launching a new business can be a challenge at the best of times so we’re very pleased Lizy’s shop is doing so well despite the coronavirus restrictions. Nansledan has been designed so residents can meet many of their daily needs on foot and there is a real buzz about the place because of fantastic shops like Teylu supplying good quality local crafts for residents and visitors alike. It was a pleasure to introduce HRH The Duke of Cornwall to Lizy during his recent visit to Nansledan so that the Prince could see for himself the energy and commitment of people like Lizy in helping to build such a wonderful community.”
Teylu Trading joins a diverse range of businesses which have opened in Nansledan over the last three years, most recently a café and yoga studio called Shiva and a florist and home accessories shop called Home Nansledan.
Nansledan is being built on Duchy-owned land to the east of Newquay and will eventually comprise around 4,000 homes mixed with shops, offices, workshops, green spaces and a range of community facilities. It is being built by a consortium of South West building companies which includes Wainhomes, CG Fry & Son and Morrish Builders. Masterplanners and co-ordinating architects are Adam Architecture.
