I’ve loved making things for as long as I can remember. As a child, that usually meant cutting up my mum’s curtains to make beds for my dolls or turning my nan’s cereal boxes into miniature houses. I was endlessly creating and That creativity was nurtured by my grandad. Every weekend meant some kind of art project, and I think that’s where the joy of building something from nothing really rooted itself in me.

The Inkpot was never meant to be just one thing. I’ve always been drawn to places that feel layered and full of character; somewhere you can stop for a coffee, discover something unexpected, and spend time in a space that feels welcoming and alive. Coffee, clothing, curiosities, and tattooing are all things I’ve loved for years, and The Inkpot became the place where those passions could exist together.

I’m also the mum to a wonderful four-year-old daughter, and a big part of this journey is about showing her that you can build something from your ideas if you’re brave enough to try. I want her to grow up knowing she can create her own path, just as I’ve tried to create mine.

More than anything, I wanted to create something that felt like a home away from home. A space where people feel comfortable, inspired, and welcome whether they come in for a drink, to browse, to get tattooed, or simply to see what they might discover.

Success to me isn’t just numbers; it’s people leaving with a smile, conversations shared across the counter, and a place that feels like it belongs to the community around it.

as always, Thank you all for your support.

Kelsey Mae

Founder of The Inkpot Emporium