Tihara Smith opens its first store in Seven Dials

Seven Dials retail destination has announced that Caribbean-inspired lifestyle brand Tihara Smith has opened its very first brick and mortar store on 37 Neal Street.

Smith was the winner of the ‘Start-Up with Seven Dials’ competition series, which gave budding entrepreneurs the chance to set up their first shop and operate their lockdown-born business from one of Seven Dials’ streets.

Chosen over almost 100 other applicants, lockdown business success story and lifestyle brand, Smith’s new store is rooted in its Caribbean influence, featuring original stationery, accessories, gifts, and prints, complemented by a customised, made-to-order service.

Each piece is hand-crafted in London, using a combination of contemporary and traditional craft techniques. The collection takes inspiration from distinct textiles, with bright colours and tropical flora and fauna, allowing people to have a little piece of the Caribbean with them wherever they go.

She said: “I have traded online with my own website and with online marketplaces such as Etsy and Jamii in the past, but this physical retail space will give me the platform to establish a stronger connection with customers and enable visitors to personally experience the spirit and story of Tihara Smith.”

Karen Baines, head of group marketing and communication at Shaftesbury, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tihara Smith to Seven Dials.

“When we launched the Start-Up with Seven Dials campaign, it was important to us that we champion the brands that truly embody all the qualities that the area represents. Tihara Smith is a one-of-kind brand, inspired by real experience and one we are delighted to welcome to our seven streets.”