Welcome to One of a Kind Gallery and Gift Shop where we are proud to offer you a diverse collection of beautiful art pieces and unique gift ideas solely created by local artists. Our mission is to support and showcase the exceptional talents of our local community's artists and creators. Our gallery is filled with one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't find anywhere else. We are committed to mentoring and empowering our local creatives to help them grow their businesses. So, whether you're an art lover, gift shopper, or just curious to explore the world of art, we invite you to step inside, support local creatives, and let us show you around!
THE ARTICLE IN INVERNESS COURIER NEWSPAPER AND ONLINE WAS KINDLY SPONSORED BY INVERNESS CITY BID
Q How would you describe your business to a stranger?
A We are a unique, friendly and popular local business located in the Eastgate Centre in Inverness that only stocks quality art and gifts made by local artists and creatives. We cater to all budgets and new stock arrives almost daily meaning every visit is different with new surprises!
Q What inspired you to start the business?
A Our business started as a seven-month opportunity given to us by Jackie Cuddy, the former manager of Eastgate Centre around the time of Covid19. We moved my art studio into the old Argos unit with an opportunity to also sell my art. As an artist, I know how hard it is to find places to sell your artwork and still make a reasonable return, so I invited some other local, talented artists and makers to join us in our new and exciting venture.
Q How has your business developed?
A We were given the opportunity to move to the bigger and brighter ex-Yankee Candle unit next door. Alan took over the lease in October in his name giving me more time to be creative. It allowed us to expand which keeps everything fresh and exciting for us and our customers. We have also mentored several local artists and makers to build their confidence and to share our skills and knowledge on how to run a profitable business while still enjoying the creating side.
Q What are your plans to develop your business in the future?
A Our son Oliver is keen to be part of One of a Kind moving forward, which is very exciting as this will attract a younger demographic and a fresh eye. This will also give us more free time to develop our own art and work to share with everyone. I have recently created a new range of my original art on jewellery.
Q What lessons have you learnt from your time in business?
A Our relationships with the artists, makers and customers are pivotal to a successful and enjoyable business. We have built a very strong customer base and like to go out of our way to exceed expectations and make everyone who steps into One of a Kind feel welcome. We love that we have created a warm and friendly artist hub in the city that is warmly welcomed by locals. We are privileged to listen to our customers’ stories and to get to know them while also promoting local artists and creatives.
Q What do you love about working in Inverness city centre?
A The Eastgate Centre is known for its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, and they take pride in maintaining a supportive relationship with all of its tenants. We are grateful to be in Inverness city centre which is renowned for the warmth and friendliness of its residents. Our customer base is diverse and we strive to establish strong relationships with each and every one of them.
Q Can you tell us something interesting about yourselves?
A Alan and I have been together since we were 16 years old and we’re still happily married after 43 years. We’re working on an exciting new project – the construction of three luxury self-catering holiday lodges in the Wellhouse area on the Black Isle. Our land boasts stunning views of the Beauly Firth, Kilcoy Castle and the picturesque countryside. We’ve just started clearing the site to allow local tradesmen to work their magic and help us share the beauty of our local environment with visitors. Furthermore, we aim to support other local businesses that we can collaborate with to provide tourists with a memorable experience of our area.
The Gallery is now jointly managed by Alan, Louise, and their son Oliver. This new arrangement has allowed Louise time to focus on her creative to-do list. Recently, she has launched her bespoke jewellery line featuring her original artwork. These lightweight designs are easy to wear and each piece is one-of-a-kind, making them perfect as a gift for your loved ones or as a special treat for yourself. Our customers have shown great interest in these unique designs, and they are quite addictive, so be warned!
We are excited to announce that we have added Rik Moore's beautiful framed, limited edition prints to our Gallery. Rik's artworks are inspired by his love for stags and his passion for photography of highland scenes. These prints are truly unique and have been selling like hotcakes. Rik is currently working on providing us with mounted prints of various sizes which will give you the option to choose your preferred frame.
As well as promoting Dave's beautiful wood creations, we are thrilled to be collaborating alongside him on a unique jewellery line crafted from wood and resin. The collection has been met with great enthusiasm and sales and we are excited to unveil more pieces soon.
Local artist, Liz Peck, draws inspiration from the mountains, glens, and shores around her home in the Highlands. She has a lifelong fascination for photography and has found a way to blend the two passions to create spectacular artworks on canvas. Her artworks are highly sought after and never last long on our walls before they are sold.
Wow - Have you seen the latest glass art designs by Fiona at Kindness Glass? The Kingfishers on a wooden plinth are breathtaking! Fiona and her husband, Robert, who is a skilled wood-turner, make an incredible team and create outstanding glass art. Fiona has also delivered more beautiful glass works and jewellery. (Check out the Highland Cow piece - wow). I highly recommend visiting and taking a look before they are sold out!
Fiona, the talented artist behind Kindness Glass, has been with us from the beginning of her glass art journey. Her exquisite bespoke glass creations and jewellery have made her one of our most sought-after artists. Fiona's collection always stays fresh and exciting as she consistently experiments with new techniques to create unique pieces that will win your heart.
Fiona Matheson is known for her bold and vibrant textural work and works in both oils and mixed media and her unmistakable wide-format landscapes conjure the uncompromising essence of the north. She develops her original works into jewellery, prints, canvasses and so much more.
We take pride in carrying the latest and most colorful pieces from the renowned local designer, Jane MacDonald. Additionally, we have collaborated with her to create a unique "One of a Kind" design for various products which are exclusively sold in our Gallery/Gift Shop. Jane's modern, lively designs are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your home or as a wonderful gift for someone special.
Do you find it difficult to select a gift for someone? If so, why not give them a One of a Kind gift voucher and let them choose for themselves? Our voucher offers access to an array of unique and exquisite local artists and makers, ensuring that the recipient will find something they love. We cater to all tastes and budgets, so you can be sure that the voucher will never disappoint.
- A shop full of wonderful temptations
- Definitely the best shop we have been in all year, oozing top quality, brilliant gifts
- Beautiful shop, came out with some perfect and unique gifts
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One of a Kind - Louise Innes Contemporary Artist
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