Lienne Birch is the Founder of Posy, an award winning independent lifestyle store and studio in Lavenham, which reopens in its new High Street home this weekend. Here, the artist – and award-winning fudge maker – explains why she will always be a Lavenham girl at heart
My name is Lienne and I opened my shop nine years ago. I am a ‘Lavenham girl’ – my family are from Lavenham several generations back… so Lavenham was the only place I’d have considered opening my business. I love the local community and the many other vibrant small independent businesses in the village…I love that it feels like home.
My passion has always been Art & Design. I graduated with a BA (hons) in the subject in 2000 and was approached at my final show by a local gallery owner and went on to be her gallery manager which supported UK based artists and makers. We would curate themed exhibitions, and this is when I first started selling my own work.
After working in the Gallery for several years I then had my three gorgeous children. I set up a wedding stationery business called PaperDoll whilst raising my young family. My other love is cooking, and I was a cook at a farm shop cafe while my children were at school. This is when my fudge and jam making was born. Fast forward to 2016 I decided to set up my own shop: Posy!
I wanted to have a space to paint and be creative with the ability to sell my own work. I also wanted to support other small artisans, especially those who were not big enough to wholesale on a big scale.
What this has led to is a uniqueness in stock that you’ll not find in every gift shop. I also make my fudge which scooped a Great Taste Award and is a firm favourite with my customers. I enhance the variety I offer by also buying from some high-end, well-known brands which completes the eclectic mix that Posy offers.
I chose the name Posy as it encapsulates what my shop is: handpicked, carefully selected and, when put together, a delight for all the senses. I pride myself on attention to detail, from how the shop smells and looks, to the music that’s played. I want my customers to come in and feel so happy in the space that they’ll not want to leave!
Having said that the shop I was in was quite a tricky shape and, when busy, would be hard to move around in. Retail has been tough over the years, and I had got to the point of needing to ‘go big or go home’ – when the larger premises became available, I made the decision to go big! It’s a much larger shop with beautiful big windows and front door. It’s over two stories too – there’s so much space.
My initial plan after graduation was to be an art teacher. I’ve always been inspired by others and loved the idea of sharing and creating – and inspiring people wanting to learn. So now that I have extra space, I’ve decided to use one of the rooms as a classroom where I will have classes: from drawing and painting to handwriting. I also plan to get fellow friends/makers who specialise in different crafts such as jewellery making, printing, sewing etc. I really see it being a gorgeous, relaxed inspiring space for all ages and abilities.
Of course, downstairs will be Posy as my lovely customers already know it and you’ll still find me painting at my desk on the shop floor when it’s quiet. There is a lot more wall space now so I think I will naturally paint a lot more now that I’ve got the space to hang and style it properly. The fudge counter will also double in size with a lot more flavours available. I’m aiming for an early Spring launch for the classroom space.
My hopes and dreams for my shop are that my customers old and new enjoy the new space and the classroom becomes a creative and inspiring hub for like minded people. I also hope my own artwork continues to grow and evolve now that I’ve got more space and a bigger presence on the high street. I’m only a few doors up from my previous premises so hopefully my customers will find me!
There is no direct plan other than to enjoy the ride and embrace and accept the changes and challenges that running a small business brings. I’ll always dream big. I’ll always manifest my goals and I’ll always work hard. Hopefully Posy will thrive in its new home. I’m excited to get going again!
Posy, 22 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9PT. Follow Posy on Instagram.
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