Lock29 Welcomes Exciting New Sustainable Homeware Brand

Lock29 is excited to announce the arrival of Essence Home, a sustainable homeware brand founded by local entrepreneur Carey Burden, who has turned a life-changing moment into an inspiring business success story. 

After 24 years in the health and social care sector, Carey was made redundant in June 2024. What could have been a setback became the perfect opportunity to pursue her long-held dream of starting her own business. Inspired by her daughter’s success in the homeware industry, Carey launched Essence Home online in September 2024, focusing on sustainable, ethically sourced products. 

“I'm not sure I can actually express how excited I am to be joining the team at Lock29, I've been on cloud 9 since I had the confirmation that I had been granted the space. Reaching this milestone so early on in the journey of Essence Home is like a dream come true,” Carey shares. “Having a fixed retail space was always the end game, but I didn’t think it would be achievable in month five! I’ve been on cloud nine since receiving the confirmation from Lock29.” 

Carey first discovered the opportunity at Lock29 through social media, inspired by the success of other independent businesses in the space. She initially hoped for a pop-up but was ecstatic when it quickly evolved into securing a permanent unit. Lock29 has built a reputation as a thriving hub for local entrepreneurs, offering them the chance to grow, engage with the community, and use the venue as a launchpad for broader business ambitions. 

Essence Home began by offering Scandinavian-inspired products but quickly diversified to include collaborations with local artisans. The product range now includes design-led cushions, beautifully woven throws, hand-poured candles, and quirky yet functional homeware. Carey’s passion for sustainability also led her to curate a selection of vintage and pre-loved pieces, making Essence Home a go-to destination for eco-conscious shoppers. 

“The website has been growing steadily since launching in September, with all of my online sales coming from organic traffic,” Carey adds. “Now, with a physical presence at Lock29, I’m excited to build relationships with customers in person while continuing to grow online. The future goal is to expand into multiple towns with bricks-and-mortar stores.” 

Lock29 has become synonymous with supporting independent businesses and fostering community growth. The space offers entrepreneurs, like Carey, the perfect environment to transition from online ventures to physical retail, providing the tools and exposure necessary to thrive. 

“Lock29 isn’t just a venue; it’s a community,” says Stuart McGregor, Lock29’s Manager. “We’re proud to be a place where passionate entrepreneurs can bring their visions to life and grow their businesses. Carey’s journey with Essence Home is a testament to what’s possible when you combine resilience, creativity, and community support.” 

Essence Home will officially open its doors at Lock29 on 1st March 2025. To celebrate, Carey has planned a range of activities starting from 1pm, including Goodie bags for the first customers, cupcakes from a local bakery and complimentary bubbly and orange juice. There will also be an offer of 10% off all purchases throughout the day 
Join Carey and the Lock29 community to celebrate this exciting new chapter and discover the unique, sustainable giftware of Essence Home.