Aleysha Mawani outside the London Art Shop
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A POPULAR independent store is set to reopen, two years after a massive flood destroyed the business.
Aleysha Mawani, who took over the London Art Shop in Finchley Road during Covid, has launched an online fundraiser so that the finishing touches can be made in time for the New Year.
She took over the business, which sells fine art materials like paint brushes and paper, from her father following his death during the Covid pandemic.
The shop is one of the last independent art shops in London and has been in the high street for 30 years.
Ms Mawani said: “I came in one day and the whole shop was flooded. The whole length of it, so many items were damaged, the Christmas display ruined and water all over the floors and walls. The electricity and everything was gone so we had to shut, obviously.
“Most of the damaged furniture and appliances have been replaced, however there is still electrical work necessary like lighting and CCTV for us to safely open.
“Some days I really let it get to me: it’s my livelihood and it means so much to me. It would break my heart and I cannot accept defeat now.
“This is why I started GoFundMe. I never thought about asking people for money, but over the two years I kept getting messages on Instagram asking when we would reopen or if we needed help. All of my staff have been so helpful too.”
She added: “It’s like starting from scratch. I didn’t order Christmas stock in case of setting myself up for a fall, so I gave myself the new year as a target instead.”
The GoFundMe page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-save-our-well-loved-small-independent-art-shop?
