Building a creative life by the sea
Herne Bay has long been known for its coastal charm and welcoming community, but increasingly it is also becoming recognised as a place where independent businesses can thrive. Among those helping to shape the town’s evolving identity is Jo Oakley, founder of She Rose – an independent gallery, shop and creative space at the heart of Herne Bay town centre.
For Jo, She Rose is more than a business. It is the culmination of a lifelong commitment to creativity and a desire to create a space that reflects the values she holds most dear: authenticity, craftsmanship and connection.
Creating a place with purpose
Having spent more than 35 years making and selling her own artwork, Jo had a clear vision for what she wanted She Rose to become.
“I had been making and selling artwork for over 35 years and wanted to create a space that reflected my own values and creative life. She Rose grew from the desire to create the kind of place I would want to visit myself.”
That vision has resulted in a welcoming and inspiring environment where visitors can browse original artwork, discover beautifully crafted pieces and take part in artist-led workshops throughout the year.
What makes She Rose different?
In an age of mass production and uniformity, She Rose offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely personal experience.
“It is deeply personal and artist-led, with the emphasis on storytelling, craftsmanship and connection rather than mass-produced products.”
Every aspect of the business reflects Jo’s creative philosophy. It is this authenticity that has helped She Rose establish itself as a distinctive destination within Herne Bay’s independent business community.
Why Herne Bay?
Jo had already fallen in love with Herne Bay long before She Rose opened its doors.
Having moved to the town five years earlier, the opportunity to combine her home and creative practice within a live-work space in the town centre proved impossible to resist.
“The opportunity for this live/work space was too good to miss.”
Herne Bay provided the ideal setting – offering not only the practical space to build a business, but also the freedom to create something meaningful on her own terms.
Becoming part of the community
For Jo, one of the greatest rewards of running a business in Herne Bay is the connection it brings.
“Being in the town makes me part of the community, which is very rewarding.”
From regular customers to fellow business owners and workshop participants, She Rose has become woven into the fabric of town-centre life.
Growing alongside the town
Like Herne Bay itself, She Rose has continued to evolve.
What began as a gallery and retail space has expanded to include an increasing number of creative workshops, while also providing a platform for local artists to exhibit and sell their work.
Jo has also opened her doors as a venue during Herne Bay’s popular Jazz and Folk Festivals, strengthening the links between the town’s creative and cultural communities.
Looking ahead, she is exploring the possibility of introducing artist residencies – further cementing She Rose’s role as a hub for creativity and artistic exchange.
A milestone to be proud of
When reflecting on the achievements that matter most, Jo’s answer is simple.
“Building a sustainable creative business around my own artwork and creating a space people genuinely love to return to.”
Creating a successful independent business is never easy. Building one rooted in artistic practice, community engagement and personal values is an achievement worth celebrating.
The spirit of Herne Bay
Jo believes Herne Bay possesses something special.
“There is a huge amount of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit here – that’s something worth building on.”
It is a sentiment increasingly shared by those choosing to invest in the town. A growing number of independent businesses are helping to create a vibrant, diverse and resilient town centre that reflects the character of the community it serves.
Advice for aspiring business owners
For anyone considering opening a business in Herne Bay, Jo encourages them to stay true to themselves.
“Be authentic and bring something distinctive.”
It is advice that She Rose embodies – proving that businesses built on passion and individuality can find a loyal audience and make a lasting contribution to the places they call home.
A place where creativity can thrive
Perhaps Jo’s reflections capture the essence of both She Rose and Herne Bay best of all.
“I’d like people to know that creativity exists in unexpected places and Herne Bay has given me space to work, run workshops and create a business on my own terms.”
Why invest in Herne Bay?
Jo’s story highlights some of the reasons why people are choosing to establish businesses in Herne Bay:
- A supportive and welcoming local community
- A thriving independent business scene
- Opportunities to collaborate through festivals and events
- Town-centre spaces that encourage innovation and creativity
- An enviable coastal lifestyle that inspires both work and wellbeing
A town full of creativity and opportunity
She Rose is a powerful example of what can happen when talent, passion and place come together.
Through her business, Jo Oakley has created more than a gallery – she has created a destination that enriches Herne Bay’s cultural life, supports fellow artists and invites people to engage with creativity in unexpected ways.
Her story demonstrates that Herne Bay is not only a wonderful place to visit; it is also a place where independent businesses can flourish, where entrepreneurs can follow their own path, and where creativity has the space to grow.
For those considering investing in Herne Bay, She Rose offers a compelling reminder that success can be measured not only in commercial terms, but also in the communities we help build and the experiences we create for others.
