Forged in Community: the Guild of Alternative Artisans
I love the process of making. I love how tangible and real the end result is. It's all very hands-on, and I can happily while away my days in the studio, creating whilst listening to music or audiobooks on my headphones.
Having quite a niche customer base, one that is firmly rooted in the alternative and subversive, is also something that I love. It's a space that I feel very connected to. The people in the alt scene - goths, punks, kinksters, and queers - are who I identify with. In the words of maverick marketing guru, Seth Godin, they're my tribe.
So when a fellow small business owner I know told me about his idea to set up a Guild of Alternative Artisans, I knew I had to be part of it. I've known Shaun for over a decade. I used to chat with his Dad, Andy, as we were waiting to load in to London Alternative Market when it was at the Clapham Grand in the early 2000s. When Andy died, Shaun stepped in and has, over the years, grown Leather Delights into an increasingly successful business. Shaun is extremely passionate about what he does. And it shows. Like me, he's learnt on the job. He's made mistakes and has gained knowledge because of it. Shaun turns up at pop-up shop events consistently and, as a result, has built a network of loyal customers and fellow creatives with whom he shares the benefits of his craft. The Guild of Alternative Artisans represents the creators in an online directory, but there's nothing quite like the tangible, hands-on experience of connecting creatives and customers in actual real life, physical space. And that's where the Alternative Artisans Market comes in.
Come and join me and over 40 other curated creators who are dedicated to bringing you the best handmade alternative goodies. From leather corsets to hand drawn goblin art, if it's too edgy to be found in your average Maker's Market, you'll find it at:
Alternative Artisans Market
Sunday 23rd November 2025
Noon until 5pm
Secret Space, 30-34 River Street, Birmingham, B5 5SA
This is an 18+ event, with no dress code.
Buy your tickets from https://alternativeartisans.com/pages/guild/jed-phoenix-of-london