Welcome to the inaugural Edinburgh Reviews ‘Spotlight on…’ series! This series puts the focus onto the faces behind your favourite local Edinburgh businesses, so you can learn a bit more about what makes them tick and why they do what they do!
And we’re starting off with Nikki Kirkland of Sew Ho Studios, who together with her business partner, Kate, offers tailoring, print, embroidery and clothing alterations at Abbeymount Studios on Easter Road.
Nikki specialises in embroidery and print, and has over 22 years of experience doing what she loves. She’s also a Church of Scotland Minister in her spare time!
Bronwen Winter Phoenix sat down with Nikki in the luxurious surroundings of Indigo Hotel’s library room to learn more about Nikki and Sew Ho.
B: What’s a fun fact about you, Nikki?
Nikki: “I own a scooter called Audrey! She’s a knock-off vespa, she’s bright blue and the colour always makes me think of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday!”
B: Hahah, I love that! What do you love about running a business in Edinburgh?
Nikki: “It’s just such a creative, vibrant city to be in, with a great community – especially where we are on Easter Road! It’s so lovely, so welcoming, and you really get to know everyone. Such a wide variety of people come to the studio, and no two days are ever the same!”
B: What else can you tell us about SewHo Studios?
Nikki: “One of the things we’re trying to emphasise is that we’re an LGBTQI+ safe space for tailoring and alterations, especially if you’re non-binary, queer or trans. We’ve found some tailoring places advertise this, but in reality they’re not as friendly as they claim, so we want to make sure we offer somewhere you genuinely feel comfortable in.”
B: That’s amazing, thank you so much, Nikki. It’s been so lovely to finally meet you!
So, there we have it! Whether you’re looking for something as simple as a replacement zip or a shortened hem, right the way up to a new lining on a jacket, or taking in your wedding dress, Nikki and Kate at Sew Ho Studios will take care of everything!
They are even able to do home visits for anyone with accessibility needs. How great is that?
You can visit Sew Ho Studios at 3 Abbeymount Studios, 2 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AN – but it’s always best to book an appointment via a call or email first.
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