Jenny Thomas is the founder of Smallprint, a specialist online shop selling design-led books and prints for babies and children. She is married to Joe and has two children aged 4 and 1.
How long have you lived in the area?
We have lived in East Dulwich for 6 years and have been in Forest Hill for a little over 1 year.
What brought you here?
We love East Dulwich but we were ready for a change and more space, now we have the house we hoped for and we are in a lovely area that is really on the up.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
Community. We’ve become friends with all of our neighbours and we actually share sugar, milk and chocolate when in need! It’s great always having someone around to keep an eye out.
What one thing would you change?
The parade of shops on Perry Vale. It needs a decent cafe/cake shop and a lick of paint.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
The GP surgery! It is so fantastic and we are very lucky to have such kind, hard-working GPS and staff around the corner. Oh and the amazing Brown & Green cafe in Mayow Park, if I am allowed two things!
Do you belong to any groups?
SE23 mums group on Facebook is a great one. I have connected with many like-minded people who share business ideas and appreciate the same things I do.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
Either at the post office sending out orders or juggling the kids at swimming, soft-play, parties and the supermarket. Often at home attached to the hoover.
What is your favourite place to eat?
Very fond of the Catford Constitutional Club at the moment.
Cafe, pub or bar?
Anywhere that has space. We tend to go out with the kids but appreciate a quieter setting. Cafes are great for a quick bite but pubs get my vote for a lazier afternoon.
When I want to relax…
I’m not so good at relaxing but I am working on it. A little bit of time to myself is very relaxing, as is when we get together with some friends, we can let the kids entertain themselves and get some great food. The Railway Tavern is a nice spot with good food and very lovely staff.
My perfect holiday…
Sunny but not too hot, kids running around outside (getting tired hopefully!) A nice place to sit down and chat with family and friends and comfy beds with nice linen!
My secret ambition…
It’s not so secret but I am working on taking over the world of children’s book selling and have so many ideas to make our online shop the only place to go for beautiful books and prints for the little-uns.
This article first appeared in the May 2015 issues of SE22 & SE23 magazines.