About us
SHOPASTA is an online store that provides an exceptional collection of thoughtfully chosen homeware and lifestyle products. We have a profound appreciation for exquisite design, exceptional quality, and exceptional craftsmanship. Our passion drives us to discover and collaborate with visionary designers and artisans who produce original and timeless products.
We believe that the items we curate have a deeper significance beyond their physical appearance. The products embody an intangible value that can only be appreciated by understanding the maker's story. Therefore, we make sure to interview each designer and artisan to uncover the origin of each product and share their unique stories. By doing so, we transform ordinary objects into beloved possessions that will endure for a lifetime.
At SHOPASTA we carefully select and source products that are not only unique but also well-crafted and elegantly designed.
Our commitment to sharing the stories behind our products and makers is evident through our online Journal, where we showcase designer and maker interviews, and our magazine. We believe that these stories add an extra layer of value to the items we offer, creating a deeper connection between our customers and the products they purchase.
Providing excellent customer service is one of our top priorities at SHOPASTA. We believe that every customer is significant, regardless of whether they are an individual, an interior designer, or an architect's firm. We strive to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your Leadancy purchase and the level of service we provide. Our goal is to leave you delighted with your experience, and we will work tirelessly to achieve it.
OUR STORY
SHOPASTA was established in August 2022, and our journey since then has been a thrilling one.our passion and drive to create a remarkable design store, where customers can discover a meticulously curated selection of exceptional, one-of-a-kind, and well-crafted products, remains as strong as ever.
Our story began with a shared love for design and a shared goal to establish a business that reflects our values and standards. Alastair and Nikki, siblings from the beautiful Peak District, both had different careers before embarking on this venture. Alastair was a lawyer, while Nikki was an artist and designer. However, both felt a growing dissatisfaction with their work and sought a new direction that would allow them to pursue their passion for design and people's stories. A design store that focuses on the stories behind products and designers felt like the perfect fit.
Today, we are based in Essex and Northamptonshire, where we run SHOPASTA and raise our families. As the business has grown, so have our families, and we are delighted to have five lovely girls between us, as well as our furry friend, Frank, the dog. There is never a dull moment, but our passion and commitment to provide you with the best products and service never wavers.
At SHOPASTA, we believe in making careful and thoughtful choices when it comes to the everyday items we surround ourselves with and use in our homes. These products should be cherished and admired, and that's why we are committed to championing thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted products made by skilled craftsmen who pay close attention to detail and use high-quality materials.
OUR ETHOS
We aim to help people feel more connected to the products they use and appreciate their value by sharing the stories of the makers and products we discover through our Journal and Makers' stories. We believe that the throwaway culture of modern consumerism is wasteful and concerning. Many products are not made to last, and the lack of quality, cheap materials, and the disconnect between the maker and the consumer often result in products that are not treasured.
While mass production has its place for some goods, we are passionate about original design and products made by skilled and dedicated makers who have developed their talents through hours, days, and years of hard work and dedication to their craft. We are inspired by creative individuals who use a variety of materials, techniques, and technologies to produce unique and beautiful products.
Since our establishment, we have met countless passionate individuals whose work we feel honored and excited to share. We have visited the studios and workshops of ceramicists, woodworkers, bag makers, spoon carvers, and quilt makers, among others. Each of these places has taught us something new and given us a better understanding of the process involved in creating beautiful and well-made products.
Our goal is to continue to uncover the work and skill involved in designing and creating these goods and to share these stories with our customers through our Makers' stories and online Journal.
THE ENVIRONMENT
At SHOPASTA, we are committed to protecting the environment by sourcing products that are designed to last and not intended to be thrown away after minimal use or changes in fashion. We carefully select designers and makers who are mindful of the impact of their products on the environment and take this into account when designing their products, choosing materials and production methods.
For example, we work with Kaaita, who creates their felt storage bags using recycled plastic bottles. Our O My Bag leather laptop sleeves and wallets are made from leather produced using far fewer harmful chemicals in the tanning process than normal. We also collaborate with Lane by Post, whose lampshades are made entirely recyclable and biodegradable with no plastic components.
Furthermore, many of our woodworkers use repurposed, reclaimed or FSC certified wood to make their products. For instance, every pair of wooden sunglasses made by Proof Eyewear is produced using the finest sustainably sourced wood available.