Queer Spirits Secures Coveted Trading Spot on Oxford Street
Queer Spirits is delighted to announce its remarkable achievement in a nationwide competition organized by Adobe and Enterprise Nation.
Queer Spirits, a drinks company owned by members of the queer community, is dedicated to crafting exceptional spirits while advocating for diversity and giving back to the LGBTQ+ community. Among the ten successful small businesses, they have earned the prestigious opportunity to establish a presence on Europe’s busiest shopping hub.
Oli Powell, who, alongside his husband Jon Gronow, operates Queer Spirits as a passion project, expressed their elation upon winning the competition. “It’s still hard to believe that we emerged victorious. This is a dream come true and a validation of all our dedicated efforts. We are merely a couple from South Wales with a desire to create a splendid gin that celebrates our community, and now we find ourselves preparing to launch a shop on Oxford Street.”
Jon added, “This competition has truly tested our resilience. Currently, we only sell our products online, and we have no prior experience in high-street retail. We had to adapt swiftly within a two-week timeframe, encountering challenges we were unaccustomed to. Nevertheless, we are immensely proud of our accomplishments.”
Queer Spirits’ signature gin, known for its exquisite blend of exotic botanicals and bold flavors, will be prominently showcased in a pop-up shop located at 58 Oxford Street, promising an extravaganza of queer culture.
“While we acknowledge that we are relatively small players in a vast arena, we firmly believe that the more genuine queer brands flourish, pursuing their passions, the more vibrant and joyful our collective community will become,” Oli affirmed.
During their two-day residency, commencing on May 24th, Queer Spirits will allocate a portion of their proceeds to Kaleidoscope Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to advancing the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
In addition to their partnership with Kaleidoscope Trust, Queer Spirits has actively supported various LGBTQ+ organizations and events since its inception. They have contributed to initiatives such as Blackstage, which showcases the talent of queer pole dancers of color, and Camden Bells, a grassroots football team welcoming women, trans individuals, and gender nonconforming people of all abilities.
Sharing the pop-up shop with Queer Spirits is fellow entrepreneur Elisabeth Ola, the visionary behind TRU SKN, an innovative beauty company committed to instilling confidence, empowerment, and inclusivity.
During the event, Queer Spirits will unveil their new bottle design, granting early access to shop visitors. However, the journey has not been without its obstacles, as Oli elaborated.
“Things haven’t unfolded exactly as we initially planned, which is difficult to accept when your identity is so deeply personal and meaningful. Nevertheless, we have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the evolution of our humble brand under extraordinary circumstances.”
In an exciting collaboration, Queer Spirits has partnered with Double Dutch, the acclaimed mixer brand, to offer Gin & Tonic samples to visitors throughout the two-day event. This alliance aims to elevate the in-store experience for customers and tantalize their taste buds.
Exclusive merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, and candles, will also be available, proudly displaying the brand’s name and signature pink color palette.
Join Queer Spirits at their pop-up shop on 58 Oxford Street to embrace authenticity, celebrate diversity, and savor the magnificence of Queer Spirits.