In 2019, twins Liv and Daisy launched Salad Days Market, transforming a modest library space in Upper Norwood into a lively hub of local creativity and community. 

“We saw a poster in our local library, Upper Norwood Library Hub, which advertised the room above the library for sale. It felt like a sign that we should use it to host something cool in our local community,” Liv told Eastlondonlines.

The market’s first event, held in Croydon, was packed with friendly faces and eager shoppers, filling the space with an energy they described as “magic”. Since that first event, the twins have built Salad Days Market into a celebrated platform for local artisans, attracting over 60 events at London venues.

The name “Salad Days” was inspired by a vintage theatre booklet Liv discovered during a difficult period. The term, meaning “a time of great activity, thriving, or achievement,” resonated with them. It reminded them of a carefree phase when things seemed simpler but full of potential, a feeling they wanted to encapsulate in their events. 

But behind the vibrant atmosphere of markets like Salad Days lies a growing issue: the threat of design theft by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu, who are accused of replicating unique designs from small businesses and selling them at a fraction of the price. For artisans who pour their time and creativity into their work, the risk of seeing their designs stolen can be devastating.

Shein and Temu are notorious for their ultra-fast production and low prices and have faced numerous allegations of copying designs from independent makers, leaving creators without credit or compensation. For many small business owners, this is a constant fear.

“It’s been an issue the whole time we’ve been running the business, unfortunately,” said Liv. “As more brand owners become aware this can happen, the concern grows.”

Several vendors have reported theft, and the threat looms large for those who haven’t experienced it, especially in an increasingly digital retail space.

“I think it undermines the talent, hard work and dedication that goes into making the designs, especially because they sell it so cheap. It costs a lot to send things out and people can just get lesser quality products for a pound,” Harry from Created by Harry told Eastlondonlines, “[The time it takes to make designs] can range from about five minutes, sometimes it could be hours, depending on the detail. And these big companies can just screenshot it, it’s not fair.”

Designers like Claire Paul of Claire Paul Illustrations are scared of what could happen if their designs got stolen.

“I’ve not had my design stolen as far as I’m aware but I know of people that have. It seems to be happening more and more, which is really sad,” said Paul. “It also seems like there’s not much that anyone can do about it once they’re stolen. It’s such a huge legal process to try and stop these huge companies.”

Liv and Daisy advise vendors to watermark their designs online to protect them from theft, but they acknowledge the limitations of these measures. For many, the best defence lies in cultivating strong, local communities like those at Salad Days Market, where personal connections help build loyalty and trust.

“If anything, the threat of having designs stolen online makes selling at real-life events more appealing,” said Daisy. “It’s much less likely that a big brand like Shein will steal designs from a small local event like ours.”

Salad Days Market celebrates independent creativity and sustainable practices. By prioritising handmade, vintage, and preloved items, the market provides an antidote to the disposable culture of fast fashion.

“Spending with makers who are local to you directly feeds money back into your local economy and community,” said Daisy. “It helps create more opportunities and a thriving neighbourhood. Plus, local makers and designers are key to fostering connection and community.”

This mission is woven into every aspect of the market, from its curated vendors to its warm, dog-friendly atmosphere. Liv and Daisy aim to show shoppers that buying local isn’t just a duty, it’s a joy. “We like to tell people why it’s more exciting and wonderful to shop small,” said Liv.

The journey to create Salad Days Market wasn’t easy. Liv and Daisy started with no event-planning experience, leaning on their passion for community and their vendors’ feedback to craft an experience that stands out. They even weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to online markets, helping their vendors stay afloat during lockdowns.

Today, the market continues to thrive, but its founders remain committed to their original vision: maintaining a community-focused spirit over unchecked growth.

“Our events are more than just markets,” they emphasised. “They’re a space for people to gather, explore, and connect.”