Pam Wesson of So-Artrageous, Abergavenny is a self confessed bargain hunter.  She’s put all of that practice to good use by opening her very own “Happy Place”, a craft centre on Station Road where she sells a great array of vintage, eclectic goodies and runs various arts and crafts workshops.

As one customer recently proclaimed, So-Artrageous is “interesting and refreshingly different”, which is exactly the reaction that Pam was hoping for when she opened back in August 2016.

What made you decide to open So Artrageous!?

I have been selling at vintage and craft fairs for years as The Vintage Hooker and thought it would be good to have everything in one place and also give other local talented makers the opportunity to have an outlet for their handmade products. I also wanted to start running some workshops for myself and others to pass on our skills. I really believe that crafting is great therapy, not just the sharing of skills and ideas but the social benefits of making new friends and just taking some time out from our busy lives to do something for ourselves. I have a Tuesday afternoon informal drop-in craft session where you can bring your own crafts, have a go at something new, or just do some colouring in!

What did you do before owning So Artrageous?

I am still working part time in my role as Operations Manager for Red Builders (Abergavenny) Ltd. That is why I can only open 3 days a week. Before that I worked in newspaper publishing and printing.

 What’s the best part about being a shop owner?

Meeting so many new and interesting people, finding that

perfect

vintage item that I know people will

love to see in the shop or

discovering an

exciting new artist or maker. It is my

“Happy Place”

What’s the most challenging?

Not having the time any more to go in search of new vintage and handmade items!

Where do you source your products?

The vintage items come from house clearance, boot sales, fairs, charity shops and other vintage dealers. The handmade items are mainly friends from the crafting circuit that I have met along the way or a local craft group which I attend at Clydach, near Abergavenny.

Frankie Wesson

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the shop?

Accompanying my daughter singer/songwriter Frankie Wesson to her gigs. I love quiet times, reading and going to the cinema and … when I have time … bargain hunting!

How did you discover Vintage Rocks products?

Through Louisa at Return to Splendour, Ross-on-Wye

Why did you decide to become a Vintage Rocks stockist?

I liked the funky branding and the colours, the image suits my shop perfectly and the products are going down really well with my customers!

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