We Mean Business: ‘I’m a determined person and believe what I’ve got is good – so I’ve gone all out’
The determined owner of a business that houses nearly 50 crafters has shared the effort made to ensure her venture stands out from the crowd in Northampton.
Launched in February, the Chronicle & Echo’s new campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.
The twice-weekly stories spotlight what Northampton stands to lose if your favourite businesses were to close down, highlight the biggest challenges they currently face, and encourage greater support from the powers that be and the community before it is too late.
The Shack, which opened at Woodmeadow Garden Centre in March 2024, began with 31 traders and has continued to increase its capacity.
The venture was founded by Karen Akhtar, who wanted to give independent crafters the opportunity to rent a space and sell their goods from The Shack.
The shop has always been bursting at the seams and Karen assures customers they will never see the same thing twice, making for a quirky experience.
The aim was, and still is, for the business to become the go-to location for people to purchase gifts of all kinds, as well as creating a welcoming place to be.
Let’s take a look at what Karen had to say…
How would you summarise your experience of running an independent business in Northampton at the moment, and what are the biggest challenges you currently face?
“It’s difficult and times are hard,” said Karen. “You’ve got to be different and unique, more than anyone else, to get anywhere.
“The biggest challenges are getting people in the door and trying to keep your overheads covered. It’s hard getting people to come out there when they aren’t around as much as they used to be.
“During the week, older couples would come out for lunch at the garden centre and they’d visit us, but we don’t get those couples as much.
“I’m a determined person and believe what I’ve got is good, so I’ve gone all out. We now stand out and the change in decoration was drastic. We look more like a beach shop, painted in stripes with nets, surf boards and lobster pots. We were told before we looked like a shed.
“We host workshops and we’re now open seven days a week so we’re there whenever people need us. We offer lots of personalisation and if people let us know what they want, we’ll try to make it happen.”
What do you believe Northampton stands to lose if your business were to close down? What unique offerings do you bring to the town that would be sorely missed?
Karen continued: “If places like us close down, it’ll be a sad thing. We’re for the people who craft in this day and age. It’s a mental health stimulant and people need to take time for themselves. We give these traders the opportunity to sell so they don’t sit on bulk or have to go to craft fairs all the time.”
What small actions can our readers and the Northampton community take to support your business in 2026?
The business owner says following The Shack on Facebook is the best way to keep up-to-date with everything they have planned for 2026, and any shares are much appreciated.
The Shack is still nearing 50 crafters under its roof and the upcoming psychic fair, planned for June 28, is shaping up to be the biggest event of the year. More than 20 tables have already been booked and they are going all out to make this unique event a success.