Story: Sagaal Ahmed
Queen Shop is a new shop on Spital Hill, it sells fashion clothing for women.
I went to speak to the shop owner, to ask her more about the new business. The shop was really beautiful, with nice clothes and beauty products. As I walked into the shop there was a wonderful smell, coming from the bukhuur (or incense).
How long has the shop been open and what do you sell?
“It was opened 3 months ago. I sell Somali and Arab women’s fashion clothes, for example dirac, shiid, cadar, abaayah and hijaab. Women can have clothes made to fit. I also sell health and beauty products for hair and skin and bukhuur incense. And I do henna in the shop.”
What is the difference between Queen Shop and the other shops which sell similar things?
“I am selling some things that no other shop sells, like the health and beauty products. I have also got a sewing machine, so I can make alterations in the shop.”
Why did you open the shop?
“I went to International Women’s Day and it gave me the idea to open the shop, where women can get clothes from their own cultures and countries. Then we can show at the Women’s Day that we have our own culture, which includes our clothes and our dance and music.”
Why did you open it on Spital Hill?
“I want to make a community which helps> each other, so women can find what they want here in Burngreave and not anywhere else.”
I think Queen Shop is a good shop for the community, it has got traditional clothes and a wide range of hair products, it also has traditional Somali sweets, ordered from London, which were lovely.