Introducing the Tutti Frutti Makers’ Shelf

When I first started Tutti Frutti back in 2016, it was just me at my kitchen table with a pile of fabric, a sewing machine, and a dream. I had no idea where it would take me. Over the years Tutti Frutti has grown from a kitchen-table project to a home workshop, and now to a bright, colourful shop right here in Letchworth. But through it all, one thing has never changed: the belief that small businesses matter.

Tutti Frutti has always been about more than just colourful, comfortable children’s clothes. It’s about building a community and a place where families feel welcome, where creativity is celebrated, and where shopping feels better, more meaningful perhaps. And now, I’m excited to take that a step further with something brand new: The Tutti Frutti Makers’ Shelf.

Why a Makers’ Shelf?

Running a small product-based business is hard. I know, because I’m doing it! You’re doing everything yourself - from designing, making, photographing to packing, posting, marketing and remembering your social media too - often on top of family life or other jobs. And then there’s the question of where to sell. Online is crowded and noisy, while having your own shop is a huge leap with huge costs.

That’s where my Makers’ Shelf comes in.

Here’s how it works: you rent a shelf, and your products go straight in front of customers who already love shopping small. Each shelf is a space to showcase your business, alongside other family-focused brands. It’s a way to get your work into a real shop, without the big costs or commitment of running one yourself.

Think of it as retail without the hassle.

What You Get

For £40 a month (plus 15% commission on sales), the Makers’ Shelf gives you far more than just 35cm x 60cm of space in our shop. It’s about visibility, connection, and being part of a bigger story. Here’s what that looks like:

• A real retail presence: Your products displayed in our Letchworth shop - a popular, family-focused spot in a prime-customer area with strong footfall.

• Seasonal window features: Your items included in our window displays, which are seen by loads of people every week.

• Connection with your ideal customers: Families who value quality, creativity, and thoughtful shopping - people who want to support local.

• A brand blog post: We’ll write about your products and story on the Tutti Frutti website, giving your brand a boost in visibility.

• Seasonal photoshoots: Where possible, your items will be included in our seasonal photoshoots, showing them alongside complementary Tutti Frutti products.

• Social media spotlights: Dedicated reels and posts introducing your brand to our Instagram and Facebook communities.

• Brand spotlight email: An introduction to our newsletter subscribers - families who already love supporting small businesses.

• Online shop feature: For the first three months, we’ll list your items on our online shop at no extra cost. After that, you can choose to continue for a small additional fee.

It’s a package designed to help you reach new customers, grow your visibility, and take your business to the next stage - all while keeping the costs manageable.

Why It Matters

At its heart, the Makers’ Shelf is about community.

When I opened the Tutti Frutti shop, I loved seeing how it became a space not just for buying clothes, but for conversations and connections. Parents stop by for leggings, then stay to chat. Kids point out their favourite fabrics. Grandparents pick up gifts. And again and again, people tell me how much they want to support small, independent businesses - but sometimes struggle to find them.

By curating shelves full of work from local makers, I can bring more of those businesses directly to the customers who are already looking for them. It means that when someone walks into Tutti Frutti, they don’t just see my work - they see the talent, creativity, and passion of other makers from across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire.

I really want The Makers’ Shelf to give other small businesses a platform and a chance to be seen.

How It Works

The Makers’ Shelf runs in three-month blocks. This gives each brand time to settle in, be promoted, and connect with our customers.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• £40 per month, plus 15% commission on sales.

• Payable monthly in advance.

• Minimum commitment: 3 months.

• At the end of your block, you can choose to renew or step away.

• We rotate shelf positions, so if you start with a lower shelf, don’t worry - your products will be moved around to keep things fair and visible.

It’s flexible, fair, and designed to give you real value without unnecessary stress.

Read More: The Tutti Frutti Makers' Shelf

Who We’re Looking For

The Makers’ Shelf is for small, product-based businesses whose work fits naturally alongside Tutti Frutti. That means colourful, creative, family-friendly products that bring joy to everyday life. Think children’s toys, books, accessories, homeware, prints, gifts, or other handmade treasures.

We’re especially keen to hear from makers based in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Cambridgeshire - keeping things local and building on the strong creative community we already have here.

Why Apply?

If you’ve ever wanted to see your products in a shop but felt daunted by the cost or commitment, this is your chance. The Makers’ Shelf gives you:

• A low-risk way to test your products in retail.

• Visibility to customers who already choose independent, sustainable brands.

• Marketing support that goes beyond just a shelf.

• The chance to grow your confidence and reach new audiences.

• A community of likeminded makers alongside you.

A Personal Note

I want this to feel different from other “rent a shelf” setups. This isn’t about filling space; it’s about curating a collection that feels special and aligned with what Tutti Frutti already stands for.

When you apply for the Makers’ Shelf, you’re not just renting space. You’re joining a shop that’s already rooted in community values, with customers who love colour, creativity, and supporting local. You’re becoming part of the Tutti Frutti story.

I know how much heart and soul goes into every small business. My hope is that the Makers’ Shelf gives you a little breathing room, a little boost, and a little more joy on your journey.

How to Apply

If you think your products would be a great fit, I’d love to hear from you.

1. Fill out the application form here:  APPLICATION FORM
2. Tell me about what you make, your brand story, and why you’d like to join.
   
3. I’ll be in touch to let you know the next steps.

Spaces are limited, so if this sounds like the right fit for you, don’t wait too long to apply.

For me, the Makers’ Shelf is about more than just space in a shop. It’s about building something together  - supporting each other as small businesses and giving local families the chance to discover products made with care.

I’d love you to be part of it.