Our Story

Est . 2019

At Thrive we're passionate about championing local independent makers, artists and businesses.

Since launching in 2019 and working exclusively with Suffolk based makers, we have since expanded to bring together some of East Anglia's best independent artists, alongside a considered collection of gifts, homewares, accessories and more from makers across the UK. We aim to bring you quality, design-led items to fill your homes and hearts.

We love sharing stories, showing the faces behinds the brands and shouting about the amazing power of shopping small! If you're reading this, you're part of our journey, so welcome aboard and thank you for sharing in the small biz ride with us!

After many seasons in our little stable shop at the stunning Helmingham Hall Gardens In summer 2025 we opened our first high street store in the seaside town of Felixstowe. Here we combined our lifestyle store with a coffee shop to create a space where you can pause a while, enjoy a delicious locally roasted coffee and pick up the perfect gift whilst you're there. 

In the Summer and over the festive period we return to our pop up store in the heart of the Suffolk countryside at Helmingham Hall Gardens. This historical Grade I listed gardens is a must see if you're visiting the area. 

A note from our founder... "When I first tentatively started Thrive it was to scratch an itch. I had returned from university, started working in retail and creating my own artwork, selling at local markets. I really believed there was a gap for all these wonderful makers to exist in one place for longer than a day or weekend market. So when the opportunity for a temporary pop up space became available it gave me the chance to explore my idea, to use my knowledge and experience in retail and curate some of the amazing artists and makers work I'd met through various events. The business has evolved slowly, it's not been an easy journey but I'm truly passionate about sharing quality design and supporting the brilliant people who have built something from their creativity. 

2025 and 2026 have been some of the best and worst years since opening our high street store in Felixstowe. Just one month after opening I was diagnosed with epilepsy and a year later have also experienced some really challenging health problems. But what it has shown me is we've built more than just a store, we've built a little community. I am so grateful for our small but perfect team and everyone who shops with us, enjoys coffee with us or comes along to a creative workshop. I have so many more ideas so let's keep Thrive thriving!" Megan