Thrive by the sea

Megan Clark is the Founder of Thrive, a small independent gift and lifestyle store based seasonally in Helmingham Hall Gardens, Suffolk, and – as of next month – Felixstowe. Here, Amber explains the story behind the store

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Megan and I’m the founder of Thrive Lifestyle Store – a small independent business based in Suffolk where we celebrate handmade design and local artisans.

Are you Suffolk born and raised? What do you love about the county?

I’m Suffolk born and raised! Suffolk has always been home, we’re very lucky to have a beautiful coastline where I love to head for a walk with my dog. And then there’s the rolling countryside, all within a short distance. Suffolk also has a wonderful creative community, which has been the basis of my business.

What led you to opening Thrive Lifestyle Store at Helmingham Hall Gardens in the first place? What were you doing before?

I had moved back to Suffolk after studying in Brighton. I have a degree in Performance and Visual Arts Theatre which I loved but I didn’t have a clear career path or an outlet once I was back in Suffolk. I began painting shortly after and started attending local makers markets with my artwork. It was through these markets and some of the fabulous people running them, that I met many of the makers I continue to work with at Thrive today.

Markets are hard work, lots of preparation, planning your stall, early starts setting up and taking everything down again at the end of the day. I had often thought of one day having a shop, I love styling and interior design, and I craved the opportunity to dip my toe into something more permanent. I felt I’d really love to be able to showcase lots of the amazing work from makers I had met for more than just a day or a weekend.

Our little store at Helmingham Hall Gardens came up by chance and it was the perfect opportunity to bring my vision to life without the commitment of a long-term lease. We’re based in an old stable, no wall or floor is straight, but we have the most beautiful setting with the stunning gardens and nestled in the Suffolk countryside, only a stone’s throw from popular destinations.

Where do you source your products from? It’s important to you to showcase local artists and makers first and foremost?

The majority of our collection is from local artists and makers. The business started exclusively stocking Suffolk based artisans, as we’ve grown and we now work with lots of fantastic makers from across East Anglia. A lot of the makers I know and met doing markets, I will sometimes approach makers whose work I’ve admired, one of the pros to social media! We also now have an application form on our website where makers can tell us about their business.

It’s so important to me to support local artists and makers. The more you dive into the small business world the more passionate you become about sharing the beauty of small. Shopping with local makers is like casting a vote of confidence, a vote of community and vote for your local economy.

Sustainability is also important to me and it’s wonderful to work with lots of creatives who also share the same ethos, beautiful products can still be good for people and good for the planet.

You’re opening a new store in Felixstowe? What can you tell us about your plans for ‘Thrive by the sea’?

Yes, we’re so excited to be opening our new store in Felixstowe this July! We’re making the leap and expanding the business; I have my mum and auntie coming on board to make it all possible. The new space is really exciting for us all. Alongside our curated collection of local and handmade gifts, homewares and accessories, we’re also setting up a small coffee shop.

Hopefully it will be somewhere cosy and inspiring where you can relax, meet with friends and support our makers with a spot of shopping at the same time.

The other thing we’re really looking forward to is being able to offer workshops and creative classes from the new store too. So, keep an eye out for more updates soon.

Where can people find out more about Thrive in general?

You can follow us on Instagram @thrivelifestylestore or visit our website where you can shop online too at thrivelifestylestore.co.uk

What are your hopes and dreams for your business? Where next?!

Right now, my hopes are for our Felixstowe store to become a thriving destination. I’d love to be able to offer creative short courses and support more makers from across the region.

As I write this, in the midst of setting up our first permanent high street store, I can only dream that our little business will succeed and be able to support our makers. It’s not an easy time for retail and small business so we’re so grateful for all our wonderful customers and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our new store very soon.

Thrive at Helminghall Hall Gardens, near Stowmarket, is open Sunday to Thursday, 10am-5pm, until the end of September. Thrive in Orwell Road, Felixstowe, opens on Saturday 19th July, 2025. Visit thrivelifestylestore.co.uk and follow on Instagram.

Featured image of Megan Clark (pictured on the right, with her mum), and all other images, supplied