VINTAGE

Zara's talent and passions are
entwined with the mid century
feel to vintage furniture, a past
time she has crafted into a
profitable business
mothers and youth develop skills to
give then confidence and guidance to
showcase creations that then can go on
to be sold at these fairs.’
Of course there have been times when
Zara has wondered if she has taken on
too much from organising the vintage
fairs. ‘I sit down sometimes and wonder
if I can manage, but then I find I am
overcome but a strong sense of
positivity, it’s like I am being spurned on
to do it, and then I get up again. I do
firmly believe our daughter is still with
us in that sense. She is making sure I
keep going!’
Kids Company is the brain child of
Camilla Batmanghelidjh who started the
project almost ten years ago.
The aim of the charity is support and
guide children from unsupported homes
where they face emotional and
educational challenges; those in inner
city areas where crime and
unemployment limits their future
progress, and vulnerable young people
who have been exposed to violence,
drug abuse and social exclusion.
It is a charity close to Zara’s heart.
‘There has to be someone somewhere
to look after these kids to make sure
that they don’t end up in the same
jobless situations as their parents.’ She
says, ’there has to be a point where the
situation changes for youngsters. They
can’t be left to feel that they have no
future.’ Zara had to overcome many
struggles as a young mum herself,
learning a lot from her younger life, she
feels she is in a good place to shift her
efforts to raising money through her
vintage business and now, fairs and
events.
‘I love all things vintage and nostalgic,
and I am drawn to fashion, interior
design, art and architecture.
My passions always have a vintageesque
feel. I love the fact that my
business moves in a new direction
taking this theme with it,’ she beams. ‘At
my fairs, I fill the pitches with those
who have the same strong feelings as
me to move their small vintage and
retro inspired businesses as far as
possible. I wanted to provide a platform
for these people who need to step into
the limelight and be able to show the
public what they can do.’ Zara smiles
brightly as she tells me about the
people she has met who have, as she
describes, incredible talent for making
things, designing and renovating home
wares and clothes, giving them a new