Shops / News
Former Wapping Wharf project manager opens shop of her own
The latest commercial tenant at Wapping Wharf knows the area better than most having worked on the site’s redevelopment a decade ago.
Swapping her construction hard hat and blueprints for organic teething toys, Emily Morgan Carrion Bassan has opened her luxury baby boutique in Cargo 2 on Museum Street.
Inti Baby sells premium baby clothing, wooden toys and unique gifts, inspired by and quality tested by Emily’s 14-month-old daughter Nora.
is needed now More than ever
Emily selects sustainably sourced products with organic cottons, FSC certified woods, natural rubber and natural dyes – photo: Sam McEvans
“Everything is very carefully chosen,” Emily told Bristol24/7. “There are no plastic toys in here whatsoever.”
A small play corner with pre-loved building blocks is intended to keep little ones occupied while parents, or indulgent grandparents, browse.
After a stint living and working in Peru, where she met her husband Jose Luis, Emily set her sights on launching a business venture at Wapping Wharf.
“I always knew I wanted a business here. When a unit became available I thought this is the spot we need to open in and we just grabbed it.”
The couple were attracted by the container’s flexible rental contract, startup-friendly community and affordability compared to the city centre.
They opened just a few days before the Wapping Wharf anniversary celebration and benefited from the “buzz” and increased footfall during the festivities.
Prior to Inti Baby, the unit was occupied by About The Dog and Emily said that a lot of confused dog owners have turned up looking for the groomers.
Instead, they now stumble upon rails of colourful garments for babies from birth to two, many of which are made from soft and hypoallergenic pima cotton from Peru.
“It’s the best there is for babies and young people,” Emily added.
Inti means “sun” in Quechua, the ancient Incan language – photo: Sam McEvans
Emily’s love affair with Wapping Wharf deepened when she bought a property there in 2021.
Her flat, where she now lives with her family, is just a stone’s throw from Inti Baby.
The former construction project manager is bullish about the future of both Inti Baby and Wapping Wharf and hopes to continue her long term relationship with the site for many years to come.
To bring the shop good fortune, and as a nod to the family’s Peruvian heritage, the shop keeps a Torito de Pucará talisman facing the door. – photo: Sam McEvans
“I definitely see Inti Baby staying in Bristol and staying in this area,” Emily said.
“We’re looking forward to the new plans and we hope to stay.”
The family-run business is prepared to weather disruption when the containers are temporarily relocated to the car park while the planned, permanent mixed-use structure is built in the next few years.
Emily added: “It will bring more people to the area and hopefully it will keep that independent vibe, which is very important.”
Main photo: Sam McEvans
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