Shop Local | Elk & Wolf
Every month we'll be chatting to one of our stockists from our community of like minded independents around the globe. This month we caught up with Katie from Elk & Wolf, one of our stockists based in our home town of Edinburgh.
What was the inspiration behind Elk & Wolf and how did it all get started?
Elk & Wolf developed out of a kind of transition phase from my first brand, Miss Katie Cupcake. I started out selling my jewellery on a market stall over 8 years ago which turned into Miss Katie Cupcake the store and reflected my love for vintage style and also allowed me to design and make a lot of my own jewellery.
As I got older, my style changed and I felt more reconnected with my Australian roots so wanted to explore that bohemian side and Elk & Wolf gave me a chance to do that. The store definitely reflects my personal style now and has allowed me to move forward together with all the local makers we support. I love being able to support the work of some of my favourite artists, with who I've been lucky enough to build up close relationships with over the years.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
Most working days are pretty different from one another, which we definitely love. We get a great mix of local and visiting customers so we get to meet and chat with so many different people. In store our visuals and displays are really important to us so we will often play around with how we can present our stock in new and interesting ways.
What music is playing in the shop right now?
We have a few different playlists depending on the mood. Usually on repeat is Emancipator or some piano tunes, but at the moment we are also loving Billie Eilish when we're fancying a wee change.
We love local knowledge! Can you tell us your top 3 things to do in Edinburgh?
1. For amazing local coffee and cake you'll find us at The Milkman, our partner business very conveniently located at the bottom of our hill! Perfect location if you're out exploring the main city and super cosy.
2. Narcissus are my favourite florists, and just a great independent store all round.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens for a bit more of a day out, loads to see there and it's close to Stockbridge where there's loads more indie shops and cafes if you want to make a day of it.
What do the next few months have in store for Elk & Wolf?
My partner and I have our second baby due very soon and then we have some exciting plans for the store coming up towards the end of the year so plenty to keep us busy! In the meantime we are getting ready at the shop for the Edinburgh festivals which is always our busiest time. So lots of new stock and always a great atmosphere to look forward to.
Find your nearest Bohemia stockist and support independents by shopping local!
