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- Nisa's Success Story
Nisa's Success Story
Born in Birmingham and raised in Telford, Nisa is the owner and maker behind Lily M, a Shrewsbury-based producer of natural skincare and other self-care products (think candles, shower steamers and luxurious essential oil-infused soaps). Sold from Shrewsbury's award-winning Market Hall, and an online shop, these products are rapidly gaining a cult following, with demand keeping Nisa busy in her Parade studio.
A personal project
I started Lily M because I had bad eczema, and I'd started making my own products to help soothe my skin and help grow my self-confidence again. My products worked – I get flare-ups now but nothing as bad as it was. I wanted to share the products I was making with everyone, and doing something I love is a big plus.
It's a big year for me this year – I've just launched a new seaweed and clay facemask, I launched a line of men's products this year, and I also have a big Christmas launch planned.
In December 2019 my partner and I moved here and have never looked back!
How did I come to Shrewsbury?
I lived in Birmingham until I was five or six, then moved to Telford with my family. After attending university, I fell in love with Shrewsbury and its independent scene, and in December 2019 my partner and I moved here and have never looked back!
Why Shrewsbury?
I love Shrewsbury's independent businesses and entrepreneurial vibe. Everyone here wants everyone to do well, and the overall atmosphere of the place is very community-oriented – it's a really supportive environment to start a business in.
Being based in the Market Hall has definitely helped my business. Shrewsbury is a small community town, but also draws a lot of tourism – and the Market Hall has become nationally known after winning Britain's Best Market for three years. I feel like the products I hand-make have more of a connection with the town, so they appeal to tourists as well as locals.
Living in Shrewsbury is like being on holiday in England. On the one hand, it's very chill, but on the other, there's always something going on, and because it's such a walkable town, you don’t have to drive – which makes enjoying your day with food and drink so much better!
Everyone here wants everyone to do well, and the overall atmosphere of the place is very community-oriented – it's a really supportive environment to start a business in.
On a normal day...
I start at 7.30am in my Parade workshop, where I'll grab my stock and make any bits I need. Then I'll head over to the Market Hall around 9.30 to restock the shelves and have a coffee with the other stall holders.
I always grab lunch in the Market Hall, then finish up around 4. I'll either head home or go to the gym or for a walk. Depending on the night, I might head out for a beer!
My work-life balance is very flexible. Because everything is walkable in the town centre, I can normally work, make products and head to our local bar Oil afterwards. I take Mondays and Thursdays each week to focus on either the business or some self-care, whether that's at home or in town.
My Shrewsbury Top 5
Coffee shop
I love Patch's Coffee, right outside the Market Hall, and Daily Brews on the Town Square.
Eatery
I can't choose just one. Our favourites are Dough & Oil, Bird & Beer and Absolute Melt.
Day out
Shrewsbury Prison is a great attraction – I love the tours and activities they have going on there.
Hidden gem
Though more people are getting to know what's hidden in the Market Hall, so many people still just walk by because of its 60s exterior! It's full of hidden gems people are missing out on if they judge it from what's on the outside.
Neighbourhood
I love Abbey Foregate – it's beautiful, has lots of different housing options for people looking for a new home, and is within walkable distance of everything that makes Shrewsbury special.
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