Against the Algorithm: Creating Something Real in Blackpool. in discussions with sana.jpeg

Growing in Blackpool is a flourishing scene of independent businesses and creators, those who have grown up in Blackpool and those who have chosen Blackpool as their home to grow their business alongside exciting new additions to the town. Roksana Kryca (Sana.Jpeg) is just one amongst the hundreds of brilliant new and upcoming creators in Blackpool looking to tell their story.

We asked Sana about the becoming of her business and why Blackpool:

“I grew up in Blackpool so it made sense and there were plenty of opportunities within the community too, I studied game design at University and with the rise of AI and being a chronically-ill woman in a predominantly male industry, the job market opportunities were getting slimmer and slimmer.

I knew I wanted to find a way to continue using the skills and knowledge from my degree so I continue to use the same skills, programs and techniques just in a different capacity and I knew creating physical and traditional artwork such as lino-printing isn't something that AI could replicate, I also found that Blackpool had what I needed to grow this and make it happen”

Community is at the heart of everything in Blackpool, from the independent businesses to the music venues all the way to our events and in-season activities. Working as a one-man band can be empowering but also daunting and sometimes isolating, these communities that have spread themselves across the town have worked as an outlet and a social group for those who are within them, here’s what Roksana had to say when we mentioned the impact of community within her line of work:

“There is a massive community in Blackpool, I have a large quantity of art students who come and see the shop and the products I stock, It has also helped with networking, I have found myself in situations where I have met like-minded people, creatives and independent business owners that I otherwise probably wouldn't have met without having a shop here. I have been able to work with other businesses too”.

Sana went on to explain the importance of the creative hub “Aunty Social” throughout her business and how much they have helped her achieve not only in Blackpool but also across different locations in the UK.

“It’s always difficult to get your foot in the door when you don’t have a network or a social circle predominantly in the community, I started with no network at all, knew nobody and didn’t really have a direction to go in, which I feel would've remained the same if it wasn't for being in Blackpool and being surrounded by the businesses and community that I have been”

When talking about the impact Blackpool has had on Roksana’s business it was a tale of community, personal interactions and otherwise exciting situations that Sana says would’ve previously been “Anxiety-inducing”. Roksana Kryca Made in Blackpool Campaign Write-Up

“I found it suffocating working from home, having my own shop and studio has meant that I have been able to interact with so many amazing people as well as build the community for the shop, I have regulars that come to visit me on occasions to grab products for their collection, it means I have a better routine and chances to meet people.”

We discussed in lengths the impact of online shopping and how it affects independents out there, why it's important to continue supporting independents and how Sana personally has tailored her business to overcome the hurdles of the rapidly changing economy:

“It’s definitely daunting because of how easily accessible these platforms are, it is much easier to shop on leading online marketplaces than it is in person, however I don’t think that’s always a good thing, I have found that conglomerate businesses have overwhelmed these spaces and its left a hole in the market for independents and handmade products within physical retail locations. I aim to always provide products I know that you can’t find online/be replicated by anyone else, everything I make is hand made from the idea to the final product.”

We continued to talk about Blackpool and how promising it is for independent businesses, I left Sana with the question of “What’s next for Sana.Jpeg in Blackpool” a question I believe inspires excitement for the future and a clear sign of the times that independent retail is here to stay.

“In the future I want to focus on expanding my name, I want to increase my engagement on Social Media platforms and continue to grow using different marketing methods as well as doing my maker's markets that I have attended over the years”.

Sana can be found inside Abingdon Street Market, Blackpool, Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 5pm. Keep up to date with what Sana has going on via her Socials https://www.instagram.com/sana.jpegg/