Love of Lemons is a uniquely curated edit of vintage clothing, accessories and lifestyle goods, alongside a range of sustainably produced brands.
The store, which opens in Nansledan later this month, is the culmination of a lifelong dream of founder Bex Osman (pictured), who decided to take the plunge and set up her own fashion business during lockdown.
“I was that girl who used to play shops when I was little, making my family come and buy things,” said Bex, 42, who studied at London College of Fashion and went on to work in the industry before changing careers and becoming a teacher for children with special educational needs.
“But then I thought, I still really, really love clothes,” said Bex, who moved to Cornwall 10 years ago. She decided to leave teaching and spent eight years working as a stylist, buyer and retail fashion shop manager.
Bex said: “It provided a brilliant experience and plenty of opportunity to learn so much. But when covid hit, I decided it was time to move on and fulfil my lifetime dream of running my own fashion business.”
Love of Lemons started out as an online store and quickly built up a loyal customer base of clothing fans who love Bex’s hand-picked, one-off pieces. She has developed a real passion for scouring the country for vintage items to mix and match with sustainable and unique brands of new clothes and accessories.
When the chance came to open her own shop in Nansledan, Bex said she knew it would be the perfect fit.
“I feel really lucky to have been able to secure a shop on such an inspiring development,” she said, speaking ahead of the Love of Lemons grand opening, planned for later this month.
“I had many discussions with the Duchy about our common passion for sustainability. Nansledan fits perfectly with everything I do,” she added, describing her sustainable clothing ethos and the importance of local community. “There are some really lovely shops here already and I’m so excited to join them.
“There’s already been some excitement and buzz from local people online who are desperate to come and visit the store. I can’t wait to open the doors for them to come and see what’s here.”
Bex said her carefully selected ranges of vintage finds mixed with modern pieces is the perfect combination for people who enjoy searching for that one-of-a-kind addition to their wardrobe.
Plus, the Love of Lemons store aims to be a gorgeous place to browse and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of fashion.
“I love it,” said Bex, who is making sure her store’s interior styling fits with her vintage-meets-modern look. “My motto is reused, re-loved and restyled,” she said, adding that she had the perfect space to work with. “It’s such a nice building. I’m surrounded by beautiful windows, overlooking a lovely green space.”
Bex, and her French bulldog/German shepherd cross, Soko, are looking forward to welcoming the first customers through the doors.
“I’m so excited, this is a lovely place to be,” she said. “I want the people of Nansledan to be part of this journey with me.”
