La Luna's Story
La Luna began as a partnership with two friends and a love of bohemian clothing, music and all things moon-related! We struggled to find affordable clothing and homeware in styles we liked, so our mission was to bring a treasure trove of these items to Leigh on Sea, influenced by our travels, music, and places we loved. Initially, we planned to be online-only, but we spotted 1170 London Road, and as we peered through the window we both agreed it was 'perfect' and had to have it. We opened just a few weeks after finding the premises, managing to deck out the interior and buy stock: we opened our doors on 23rd March 2019.
​
One year in, after a change in personal circumstances, my then-business partner moved on from La Luna and I had the huge decision of whether to take on the business alone. To cut a long story short, I did, just as the lockdown got underway in 2020. It was a risky time, but I knew my journey with La Luna was not ready to end and it felt like a new beginning. I focused my energies through lockdown on finding the best stock, getting to grips with photography, and building a website. It was something I never thought I could do, but my time at home was spent wisely and gave me the fuel and time to tackle this new position. The orders came rolling in and I knew the decision to stay was the right one.
​
A few months later I got a message from Nicky enquiring about a t-shirt and we instantly connected. It turned out she was a local designer and maker and I offered to stock her handmade headbands. Nicky had a contact in India, and we soon began putting some ideas together for a small range of our own clothing. With Nicky's design skills and my retail knowledge, it was the perfect partnership. Nicky was a huge part of La Luna: designing and getting clothes made together, with much of our stock being our own collaboration brand. Getting our own brand of clothing made was something I never thought would be possible.
​
We have built an awesome tribe of customers who make it all possible. There have been some fantastic opportunities such as our clothes being worn on stage and appearing on an ITV show. We are a small boutique with big dreams!
​
Recent changes in the way people spend and shop has unfortunately meant we have had to close our store in Leigh on Sea, Essex, with our last day as Saturday 25th January 2025. However, we are continuing as an online only store and hope our wonderful customers continue to support us.​
​
​
Our Mission
Do you want to feel empowered and confident in our clothing? We believe that what you wear can really change how you feel and allow you to 'be the best version of yourself.' We want you to feel uplifted and special by visiting our shop or when you open up one of our parcels. Good vibes always!
A really important aspect when creating and designing new pieces, is that they are both wearable and affordable. We don't believe in 'keep it for best' and ensure many of our designs can be worn ‘multiway’, so you get the absolute most wear. We strive to keep our prices reasonable, whilst still maintaining quality and the uniqueness that you won't find anywhere else locally.
​
Do you know how to style your new clothing? You'll often find videos pop up on our Instagram, showing you how to wear and layer clothing to get the most out of them. We also love you to see how our clothes fit different body shapes and sizes. Please take a look at our customer inspiration page to see a gallery of our lovely customers wearing La Luna!
​
The store originated from a desire to be able to get our favourite kind of clothes and accessories locally. ​We try to strike a balance between offering more sustainable items, unusual pieces, keeping prices achievable for our customers, and making it financially viable for our small business to continue too with carefully selected and small batches bought from wholesalers to provide a wider range of bohemian-style products with a rock & roll edge.
​
We have been running stall at various Alternative & Eco Markets for some time now and would like to reassure you that we only take stock that is repurposed or recycled materials, products from our local sellers or items that support a sustainable lifestyle to sell at these events.
Owner
My name is Ellie
From a young age I’ve been creative and enjoyed styling clothing, and whilst many of my friends were into pink and princesses, I was experimenting with more alternative looks: wearing the blackest of eyeliner; the darkest of lipsticks; the most ripped jeans; and interested in anything ‘witchy’, crystals or the moon. I couldn't find clothing I liked locally, so would enjoy trips to Camden and markets to find unusual, quirky, and floaty clothes. My mum was a dressmaker and made my sister and me bespoke clothing, I think that is where my love for finding clothes nobody else had started. My Dad was into rock music and our house had the coolest music blasting out. He was in bands, which we often went to watch. This has shaped my love for music and gigs!
​
I have always worked in creative jobs, my first job was as a trainee hairstylist with Strangeways when I was 17 until I left at 20 to have my son. I got to participate in photo shoots, catwalks and hair shows, which I loved. Being different was encouraged and I felt I fitted in being part of an alternative crowd. I continued hairdressing from home whilst my son was small but a seed was planted when I had the idea of owning my own shop. These thoughts grew until I manifested my own gift shop. Unique Boutique on Benfleet High Road opened in 2012 until I ran a tea room come gift shop and discovered my love of baking.
​
For a joint 30th birthday celebration, we had afternoon tea at Mad Dogs and Englishmen, and I fell in love with the place. I immediately enquired if any jobs were available and worked there for three years, preparing full afternoon teas, and creating cakes. Cake decorating is a big passion of mine, and my favourite cake that I’ve made must be the Harry Potter spell book. After having my little girl in 2017, I decided I wanted a new adventure, and the thoughts grew again into owning my own boutique. Ironically a shop became available just over the road from Mad Dogs, and I decided it was fate. I truly believe that all roads led me here, La Luna! Taking experience from all my paths has allowed me to thrive in doing something that I now live and breathe, whilst giving me space to also make memories with my amazing family.
Assistant
My name is Siouxzy
I spent many years working in finance and administration in the charitable, public and private sectors. I discovered my organisational and administrative skills, which I directed into my business, supporting other businesses with accounts, admin and design services. Running my own business allowed my creative side to be explored and I discovered I am project driven, thriving on new opportunities and change. I love nothing more than to ‘sort out’ problems and have variety within my work.
​
When my children were old enough, and after being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, I was given an opportunity to retrain. From my love of learning, studying, yoga, and a desire to work in a way that supported my physical body, I became a qualified yoga teacher, specialising in teaching adolescents. I try to follow disciplines of yoga, including postures, breathing, meditation and yogic ethics and principles.
​
My sister and I spent many a happy day in my home town Cambridge, visiting bohemian shops and flea markets, and raising funds for various wildlife or ethical charities. Finding La Luna was like finding a home from home and I remember their opening evening. From being a loyal customer ever since, I joined the team in September 2022 to help with organisation, the website and opening the boutique more frequently. I am really grateful for the friendship with Ellie and to be part of such a lovely team.
