At 10 years old, Chitra dreamed up and modeled her shop inside a shoe box and now her dream has become a reality, as the Independent Design Collective has stood strong on North Street for 2 ½ years.

Six years ago, Chitra relocated from London to Bristol and found herself drawn to Bedminster and specifically North Street each time they set out house hunting.

Now, having six years of Bedminster under her belt, Chitra loves the sense of community she gets from both customers and traders in the area. Sharing knowledge and experiences with others has allowed friendships to form and has contributed towards the growth of the community we all know and love in North Street.

Having started at the Tobacco Factory and Harbourside Markets, Chitra has always enjoyed the sense of community that comes from people working to support each other and that is why it has continued to be an important factor in the ethos of IDC.

At these markets, Chitra found herself surrounded by talented local artists and traders whose products she now stocks and IDC has become home to a range of Bristol’s best with over 40 local Bristol artists contributing to stock, if you are looking for candles or cards, jewellery or frames - IDC is full of hidden gems that are perfect this Christmas!

You can visit the Independent Design Collective at 76 North Street or at @independentdesigncollective on socials!