Helping small traders Thrive: Not Ur Average Joe

Thrive is an affordable work and makerspace in Surrey Quays that helps local start-ups and entrepreneurs set up and grow their businesses. Powered by business charity Tree Shepherd in partnership with British Land, Thrive supports a range of businesses from beauty and wellbeing services to media production and food and drinks.   

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on 3rd December, we’re celebrating some of the companies who have found success at Thrive. 

 Josephine from Not Ur Average Joe at work in Thrive’s makerspace 

‘Not Ur Average Joe’ retails handmade clothing and accessories for babies and young children using vibrant, colourful prints such as those in traditional African garments. 

Josephine started out making bibs for friends before she turned her hobby into a full-time business. As well as bibs, Josephine now makes baby grows, onesies, tops, trousers, hats and bags. You can find her wares at markets across Southwark, including the monthly Thrive Mini Markets at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre.  

Josephine says: “Before the pandemic I used to make bibs and small accessories for my friends’ businesses using some bold, bright materials you couldn’t find in shops. I loved creating something unique, and in 2020 decided I wanted to pursue it as a career.” 

On a friend’s recommendation, Josephine signed up to sell her clothing at Tree Shepherd’s 2021 Christmas market. “It was there that I met Jamie-Lee and the team, who advised that they had units at Thrive. My house was beginning to get quite cramped with all my stuff, so having an affordable space I could go to and work was great. I moved in officially just three weeks later.” 

Josephine benefited from Thrive’s business mentoring and advice on everything from legals to brand merchandising. This has given her the confidence to pass on her skills by hosting sewing classes for Morley College and teaching at the Carmelita Centre in Vauxhall.  

“I would love one day to have my own bricks and mortar store, and would be thrilled if that could be locally as I love this area having lived here for so many years,” says Josephine.  “In the meantime I hope to continue to grow my business with the support of Thrive and maybe one day be part of the Canada Water development”. 

With perfect timing for Christmas presents, Not Ur Average Joe will be at the next Thrive Monthly Mini Market, held at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on Saturday 26th November, from 9.30am to 7pm.  

You can also visit the business online on Instagram and Facebook.