SEEN

Manifest Salon 12:30pm 23/04/2023

When actions speak far louder than words.

When incremental moments of learning, progress and brilliance become your language.

When this young man, who began his craft even younger, says he will succeed, believe him.

Hackney 3:10pm 16/05/2023

Meet Amy.

A woman, for all women. In support, to encourage and uplift, to create and collaborate with.

Capturing the beauty of motherhood, families, newborns, and spirited souls - behind the lens is where her work in celebration of women, comes to life.

Hackney Central 1:10pm 07/07/2023

This wonderful man is amongst the finest examples that I have ever seen of a good human. Our twenty-five year friendship only echoes this very fact.

Bhavin is an incredibly talented visual artist who oozes rhythm in his work and when on the dance floor.

Bhav possesses a wondrous ability to make anything, from scratch, brilliantly.

My advice, find yourself a Bhav.

Plashet School 1:35pm 16/07/2023

The acquisition of knowledge, the understanding acquired, the dissemination of learning, and a tireless will to give her all,

that’s Sarah Heath.

Good Shepherd Studios 11:20am 17/07/2023

Where precision, knowledge and eclectic design come together, there you will find Aaron.

AllPress Espresso Dalston 2:20pm 08/08/2023

Nimo, is a powerhouse for fairness.

Through strategy, participation, empowerment, commitment, advocacy and a recognised skill for the written word, she positions herself within the multiple facets of society.

There, fearlessly, Nimo, gets to work.

Manifest Salon 12:20pm 11/08/2023

From Italy to London, from a spark of interest, to doing all he can to develop his art, from an idea, to creating Manifest,

Vlad is the quintessential entrepreneur; a maker of his own path.

Leytonstone 2:55pm 11/08/2023

Mrs.Nasir is an integral part of the incredible female legacy of head teachers at Plashet School.

Her name known, her work awarded and her commitment recognised, Bushra’s legacy will last generations.

Newham 11:45am 05/09/2023

Courage, personified. Again and again. With such elegance.

“Here I am.” Tulsi announced, and Plashet, the school that nurtured this bravery, responded.

Plashet Park 2:20pm 29/09/2023

Bancroft. Kings College London. London School of Economics and Political Science. Labour Party member at 15. Youngest councillor at 21. Launched her Politics School. Speaker in Austria, Berlin and more.

Dedicated to making a difference, Mariam Dawood has done so with such humility and sheer hard work.

And, those digits are still in the 20s!

The Southbank Centre 12:30pm 16/10/2023

Amongst her many achievements and a range of incredible accomplishments, lies a tenacity to really makes things happen.

Ruth stands outside the very place where her passion for, belief in and the dedication needed to create spaces for all, comes together.

Broadway Market 11:40am 14/02/2024

Life began in rural Italy and so did Janet’s love for learning. The type of study that attributes to all facets of life. Through her courageous nature, once in London, Janet experimented with a range of opportunities, always seeking a greater understanding of people and of herself.

Whilst supporting a young girl, Janet, in a life-affirming moment, understood the very connection between reflexology, scar work and importantly, the contribution she wished to make.

And so, the learning deepened.

Canonbury Yard 12:15pm 30/04/2024

Art, fashion and vintage furniture filled Laura’s home growing up. Nestled amongst creative, entrepreneurial parents, she watched  and learnt from their many endeavours. Whilst also developing her craft through courses, internships and then leaping into the world of freelancing.

Following ten years within the fashion industry, her love for vintage clothing and a desire to offer a more personal, thoughtful and slower shopping experience, caused this entrepreneurial spirit to leap again.

Laura von Behr Vintage is her exceptional endeavour.

Matt Cup Coffee Roastery 9:40am 16/06/2024

I recall visiting Matt Cup for the first time. The incredible coffee and the personalities serving it, made for something special. Meeting Emrah one Sunday morning, I was able learn of the many stories that make up this one.

Istanbul is where life started for Emrah, those early years filled with uncertainty, whilst also, a growing love for music, motorbikes and a need for the open road. With no plans of attending university, it was through a friend's encouragement that Emrah applied for and won a place at a prestigious institution for music and went on to play with numerous recognised musicians.

Years later he decided to not only fulfil a dream of his mum's but also harness his other love for coffee. And his shop was opened. Yet Emrah’s adventurous spirit encouraged him to take a leap and with only money from the sale of his prized motorbike, he arrived in London. Matt Cup Coffee Roastery is exactly that, a place where Emrah lovingly roasts his own beans, and develops an appreciation for making and serving that rather special coffee alongside his friends.

Bushwood Framed 11:20am 16/06/2024

Ask this man to make and he will find a way. He will watch, listen, absorb the intricacy of that skill and then, adopt that very craft.

Simon, the younger of twins, naturally asserted a charisma that demanded the attention of those around him. His natural wit and sense of humour helped him find his place in any setting.

Through the influence of his father, a well-known chef, Simon left London to take on an apprenticeship in a kitchen miles away from home. This experience, coined as some of the best years of his life, gave him the grounding to hone his skills and go on to also work in renowned kitchens.

Once ready to discover a new craft and now a newly married man, Simon worked in the floristry business. With another successful career under his belt and through a desire to continue a business in his late friend's honour, Bushwood Framed was born.

Explaining the age-old techniques and machinery he uses, together with the detail and love for hearing the stories of the very items he frames, Simon's smile emphasises it all.

Back to Ours 11:40am 17/06/2024

Tim is a quintessential creative. One that can be given any brief and will bring to existence something rather rare. A career highlighting this very ability, together with a home build that has captivated thousands over years and more recently, constructing a second home.

Back to Ours, a name that again emphasises such imagination but also one that truly explains what you will find along Davis Lane. Nestled amongst a community centre, gardens and Good Shepherd studios, is that feeling of arriving at a friend's place.

Living a stone's throw away, Tim and his similarly creative partner, wanted to expand their love for this community when taking on this space. Piecing together all the elements of not only great coffee and food, they have also contributed to the numerous facets of what makes a community truly connected.

Dogs Dinner 2:15pm 17/06/2024

Aysen, perfectly placed between her two sisters, lived her life with a commitment to doing things well. Through her love for art and an innate creativity, evolved a successful career as a chef running renowned kitchens across London. Her courageous nature propelled her into an abundance of challenges, and through each, she remained only herself.

From the Scottish Highlands, over twenty years ago, Aysen found her way back to London, her precious canine in toe, coupled with a dedication to animals that words couldn't express. And so, Dog's Dinner became her new love.

The years that followed stand as a testament to a woman who committed her heart, her energy and beautifully so, her life, to what has become an integral part of Leytonstone.

For Aysen and now her incredible sisters, Emel and Perin, Dog’s Dinner is a space which offers warmth and connection for anyone within the community. Ayden’s loving sisters endeavour to keep her light shining for years to come.

Homies on Donkeys 1:20pm 20/06/2024

Music, art, design, culture, courage, passion, friendship, love, and a raw abundance of working hard to refine one's craft, fills each and every dish at Homies on Donkeys.

The talented duo, Sandra and Smokey, are the epitome of what happens when you commit and then leap to the beat of your craft.

What began in a tiny space in Wood Street Market, Walthamstow, quickly created a firm following that spanned hours of queues and recognition within the culinary world.

Smokey, as a musician, chef and artist, harnesses his natural ability to delve deep into the understanding of all aspects of his craft. Sandra, through her ability to communicate and strategise, unearths the finer parts of how a business can continually prosper. Together, through sheer dedication and a commitment to creating food they would want to eat, Homies on Donkeys illuminates the High Road.

San Marino 3:10pm 20/06/2024

For Kemal, bravery, natural entrepreneurial spirit and a tireless work ethic, came in the form of his mother. With roots in Turkey and guided by an unshakeable will to offer her family greater opportunities, she set sights on Europe.

Travelling to Germany and then London, with only her young daughter beside her, this fine example of courage laid the foundations ready for Kemal and the rest of the family. Following years of running their own businesses in Turkey, Kemal's parents, through sheer hard work, took on their first business in Stoke Newington.

Discovering San Marino, a business established and ran by a family who were now ready to pass over the reins to another, Kemal and his family took over.

More than twenty five years later, Kemal shares his experience of witnessing his customers, who are now like kin, grow and the generations evolve. On the High Road, the door to this family's home, is always open to all.

Manifest Salon 9:30am 21/06/2024

Meet Andrei, when actions speak louder than words.

When incremental moments of learning, progress and brilliance become your language. When this young man, who began his craft even younger, says he will succeed, believe him.

Meet Vlad, from Italy to London, from a spark of interest, to doing all he can to develop his art, from an idea, to his business, Vlad is the quintessential entrepreneur; a maker of his own path.

Together, they are Manifest Salon.

Furniture Island 11:15am 21/06/2024

If the walls of this shop could speak, they would illuminate the story of Hajra’s sheer resilience, strength and dedication to her family. Spanning over thirty years, she has served the community of Leytonstone, first as a dry cleaners, which evolved to alterations, dressmaking, to then supporting her son in launching his furniture business.

Nestled at the back of the store, I witnessed a flurry of smiling customers walk through to see her, followed by conversation and laughter and each leaving wishing Waseem a good day.

The heart of this business is this warm, wonderful woman who has established roots here and now, it has taken a new direction through her charismatic, entrepreneurial son.

Waseem has seen much success through a first career which required the resilience and commitment he learnt from his mum. Developing a successful online furniture business, he places himself, beside his mum, with a view to continue this journey for years to come, together.

Theydons 2:20pm 21/06/2024

Over forty years ago Alec Peduto opened Theydons and became one of the first agents in Leytonstone. He was also one of the original agents who combined both sales and lettings.

Alec not only paved his own way but his heart led the course of direction. Over the years, Alec and his family have developed long standing partnerships with a number of local schools.

Such partnerships of varying scale and contribution have supported the learning of young people across Leytonstone.

Similarly, as the family has grown and become part of the business, their community work has also evolved too, together with the ways in which they find unique ways to elevate talent and expertises of local people. And so, meet James Ball.

Young, fresh faced, eager to learn and to wear a suit, James met Alec at 17 years old looking to enter the property business. Seeing something in this young man, Alec gave him the opportunity but as James explains, also welcomed him into the family. So much so, he can also be the face of the business.

Papi's Munchies 5:10pm 21/06/2024

Three talented, curious and adventurous young individuals, left their homes in Italy, Spain and Portugal, ready to see what London had to offer.

Through a little serendipity and kindred spirits, they met in London and became firm friends. Marcos, Agustin and Simona are the magnificent team behind the place for pizza in Leytonstone; Papi's Munchies.

During the lockdown, an idea to create from within a little pop-up kitchen in the home they also share, their community, unlike any they have experienced in London, started purchasing their beautiful, authentic pizzas.

What began with distributing a few pizzas, quickly became repeated knocks on the door and a growing love for what the Papi's Munchies' team were cooking up. This evoked curiosity and then, an offer to have their own kitchen within the North Star pub, by the gem that is, Kevin.

The food created back there is homage to these three individuals, their experiences, skillset and an incredible friendship.

Hooksmith Press 10:45am 22/06/2024

Turning the pages of a book filled with vivid descriptions of a place like no other, Russell's father decided to pack up life in London and take the six weeks voyage across the sea. Arriving as a baby, life began within the heavenly landscape of Nelson Lakes National Park in New Zealand for young Russell.

As he reminisces of his childhood amongst real beauty, resources and captivating experiences, I can see how those very lakes carved such creativity into the man sitting in front of me.

His desire to learn, to understand the rhythm of the lakes, to refine his ability to fish, to listen and witness how nature evolves, through it all, this craftsman, this true maker, evolved.

Russell's love of typography and the written word, synchronized beautifully with the collections he has gathered over the many years.

The bank of memories and the skills that lie in his very hands, are the sum of all he creates.

Mind Charity Shop 12:30pm 22/06/2024

The support this Mind Charity shop offers the community of Leytonstone, comes in many forms. From contributing towards services provided to a range of people and their needs, together with online support and resources aplenty.

With a current group of over eighteen volunteers, this shop also importantly offers opportunities to those who wish to better themselves.

Pauline, now an assistant manager, began life at Mind as a volunteer herself through her need to rejoin the community after spending much time caring for her mother.

Through a courageous desire to discover who she wanted to be at this phase in her life, Pauline and her incredible work ethic, shone very bright amongst her colleagues.

Asking her what she loves most about working here, she smiles and with such ease shares, ‘Witnessing someone blossom into themselves again.’

George's Cafe 2:15pmm 22/06/2024

From a village in Italy, Antonio's parents travelled to London. His father, brave and ready to take on the challenge, began learning English. His mum, quietly determined, would find her way across this new city through an ability to memorise her journeys.

In 1983 George's cafe opened its doors to the community and quickly, through relentless hard work, established itself. Antonio learnt by watching his mum cook and giving her all for the family. His father, a much loved personality, managed the business from the other side of the kitchen.

At the heart of his parents was always their family. Sharing wonderful memories of everyone jumping into the van and travelling to Italy each year, Antonio relishes his dad's desire to prioritise family. Growing up in Essex, Sarah met Antonio and that spark has turned into a marriage edging over twenty five years.

Through all Antonio and Sarah Bibbo shared with me that Saturday afternoon, the warmth of family, the love of their parents and serving their community, shone so bright.

Stone Mini Market 4:45pm 22/06/2024

The beginnings of any business, stem from an idea. They derive from an individual with the vision, courage and hunger to create something from scratch, piece by piece. Okan started his business with a small amount of money in a premises a little further down the High Road.

Through a slow, gradual process of selling some stock, replenishing items and then repeating that process again and again, Okan began to see the intensities of the challenges he had to face, bearing fruit.

Moving to the location where Stone Mini Market now proudly sits, his trusted wife and business partner, Andrienne, stood alongside Okan in building each element of this extraordinary place.

With numerous accolades, being voted the most loved independent store in London and a community that has wrapped itself around the heart of this store, their unity is a tangible feeling, felt in every corner of Stone Mini Market.

Mario's 6:00pm 22/06/2024

The story of this original, nostalgia inducing, cornerstone of the community, spans over forty five years. Costa, sat opposite his career officer, sparked an idea in his mind that he could join his father's business by learning his craft.

Soon after, he found himself alongside his father, fine tuning the details of his apprenticeship at his dad's salon, Mario's. Through maybe a little luck, as Costa describes, he managed to secure a place at London School of Fashion.

Now for the first time possibly, his appetite to learn was awoken and from his father, he developed his own craft. Starting his career beside the main shop window, as the youngest member of the team, Costa remains working from that very chair whilst running Mario’s for over twenty years.

Forging long standing relationships with so many within this community and watching numerous families on Davies Lane grow, his love for people is of most value to Costa.

Fitness Hub East London 8:10pm 22/06/2024

Welcome to the Fitness Hub, here you will find the heart of a man who brings wellness, health and goodness to this community.

As a trained physio himself, supporting a range of professional footballers and sportspeople for many years, George wanted to create a hub based in the centre of the High Road and establish a team of experts to serve the people of Leytonstone.

Through sheer grit and hard work with their own bare hands, George and Dave built something very special. Each element of this space is meticulously considered, every service designed to the highest standard and always with the intention to offer a positive experience for everyone.

From inside and out, Fitness Hub exudes the very essence of wellness, health and goodness, all under one roof.

The North Star pub 1:50pm 23/06/2024

Sat with Kevin in what feels like his natural habitat, he shares the story of this iconic, much-loved pub. The North Star began life as two cottages, sitting beside each other housing numerous families over many, many years.

It seems fitting that now as a pub, you enter the front door where joyous banter and friendly chatter occupy every corner. Then into the living room where groups of people sit, enjoying the authentic, incredible Thai food by the talent that is Preeya, together with Papi's Munchies’ pizzas, all in tune with the flurry of conversation and laughter.

Nestled in the middle of Browning Road, Bushwood, its uniqueness to London is unmissable. The feeling of knowing your neighbour next door and the many doors following, wonderfully coupled with a welcoming feeling evident both in and outside the North Star on a daily basis.

Kevin, finding that quiet moment where he can people watch, loves that he is able to live, work and build friendships all in one place.

Covent Garden 4:35 19/08/2024

Our truth.

How do we determine it?

Maybe it’s through the many influences that surround us or by our everyday experiences, each with such varying impact upon who we become.

Maybe the passing of time offers understanding and a greater confidence to shape what we will stand for.

For Kiran, her pursuit of seeking out what lies beneath what we see, hear and experience, exists in her everyday. By creating a safe space for our most powerful tool; conversation, Kiran bridges the very gaps that help shape our own unique truths.

Through her important work, cultural challenges and strengths, the meaning of community and how we must protect our mental health, are discussed. All while, the guests on her podcast are seen and their truths, heard.

Geek Cafe 4:45pm 25/06/2024

Walking into the Geek cafe your vista soon becomes laptops, screens, gadgets and yet, amongst it all, are the smiling faces of all those who are part of this wonderful community.

Abdul, with his proficient IT skills and exemplary knowledge, began a business repairing and restoring computers. Speaking to the two closest members of the CIC established at the Geek Cafe, Penny and Madhu, I learn that Abdul has also restored the hearts and lives of so many.

His faith as his guiding star, coupled with a sincere desire to be of service, I can see the impact he has had on all those I spoke to on this afternoon.

Penny and Madhu, with such enthusiasm, announce that there will be more free computer lessons this year, groups walks, afternoon teas and they have plans for so much more. With a promise to visit again, I leave with such a warm feeling in my heart.

Plashet School 10:15am 2023

Life began in Uganda. London becoming her second home. And Plashet her third.

Evangelica’s brilliance shines, her confidence palpable and through her years within this special place, she explains, “I now recognise my importance in this world.”

Plashet School 12:00 2023

Did you ever think about giving up?

Olivia: “The 10 year old me thought about it.”

Did she?

Olivia: “The 10 year old me could never do it.”

And then?

Olivia: “The 11 year old found Plashet.”

Today, Olivia Mendes, a 14 year old English enthusiast and brilliant sportswoman, simply wishes to inspire others.

Plashet School 10:40 2023

Equipped with an unshakeable foundation built by her parents, Zara arrived at Plashet School ready to be part of this special place. An environment she knew would develop her inquisitive and determined mind.

As she stands closer to the finishing line, her love for the Sciences ingrained in plans for the future, this young woman is ready once again.

Plashet School 11:45 2023

“Can we include the football?” she asks.

This self-taught, practise everyday, watch youtube tutorials, get to 30 kick-ups, another video, enter Leytonstone FC trials, practise some more, 65 kick-ups, get into Leytonstone FC, challenge stereotypes, feature in a BBC news feature, 90 kick-ups, loves Maths and PE, is working towards a Coaching badge at West Ham Foundation, believes Plashet is the community she needed, 106 kick-ups, is the star that is Fatima Mazar.

Plashet School 2:00 2023

They will each stand tall,

because of every hour, every decision, every challenge, every achievement, every member of your team,

and because of every part of you, that you give, to Plashet School.