Worksop Afro-Caribbean store Westaf relaunches with haberdashery and workshops

A Worksop convenience store specialising in Afro hair products and Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian food is relaunching with a haberdashery section on Monday.
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Westaf, on Bridge Street, opened in 2018 selling everything from plantain and coconut milk to olive oil for curly hair.

During the coronavirus crisis the shop stayed open - selling essentials such as rice and toilet rolls as supermarkets struggled to keep up with demand.

Sylvia Acquah, who runs the shop with partner Oluwaseyi Olubi, formerly ran a charity running sewing workshops in Sheffield and has now opened up a fabric section in the shop.

Sylvia Acquah at WestafSylvia Acquah at Westaf
Sylvia Acquah at Westaf

Westaf is expanding with a full fabrics department – including African wax prints – after Fabric Wool Crafts on Potter Street closed its doors for good.

Sylvia, 33, said: “We thought it made sense to start selling fabric - that way people would have less reason to travel to Sheffield or Nottingham for the food we sell.

“It was tough even before Covid-19 so we’re hoping people will have the courage to come out without being afraid.

“We want to see people having the confidence to come out and explore.”

Sylvia Acquah with partner Oluwaseyi OlubiSylvia Acquah with partner Oluwaseyi Olubi
Sylvia Acquah with partner Oluwaseyi Olubi

Syliva is also launching a sewing workshop at the revamped store - offering dressmaking, beginners’ and alteration classes.

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Summer activities for children will also be held at the shop.

The timetable is as follows:

Fabrics on display at WestafFabrics on display at Westaf
Fabrics on display at Westaf

Beginners - Mondays between 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm Alterations - Tuesdays between 11am to 1pm and 2pm 4pm. Dressmaking - Tuesdays between 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Kids’ summer activities - Fridays and Saturdays between 12pm to 2pm

Sylvia is holding an open day at the shop for those interested in the new haberdashery and the sewing workshops on Monday between 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

For more information phone 01909 809528.

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