Meet Kelly and Jackie, the mother-and-daughter team behind Raven, a family-run fashion business joining Common Ground at the Beacon Centre in North Shields.
With a focus on affordable clothing and styles spotted across TikTok and social media, Raven brings the latest trends into a shop where you can browse, feel the fabrics and try things on before buying.
Behind the clothes is a family story: a change of career, a shared ambition and a business named after Kelly’s daughter, Raven-May.
From teaching to following a passion for fashion
Raven began when Kelly decided to leave her career in teaching and return to her love of fashion, clothing and the latest trends.
She wanted to build something of her own and create a future for her daughter. With her mam, Jackie, alongside her and the encouragement of their wider family, that idea became Raven.
Today, the business is a shared effort, with the whole family supporting its next chapter at Common Ground.
Trending styles you can discover in person
Raven specialises in viral and trending fashion, with an emphasis on keeping its collection affordable.
Expect knitwear, dresses, co-ords, seasonal clothing and other current styles, with Kelly and Jackie regularly looking for fresh pieces to introduce.
For the pair, having a physical shop is an important part of the experience. Customers can see how something looks in person, feel its quality and try it on.
As Kelly explains:
“We love being able to offer customers something that online shopping simply can’t—the experience of coming into a real shop, seeing the clothes, feeling the quality, trying things on and finding something they absolutely love, all at affordable prices.”
Whether you’ve spotted a style online or simply fancy browsing, Raven offers the chance to explore those trends close to home.
A family business with community at its heart
Kelly and Jackie wanted to join Common Ground because they believe in supporting local businesses and bringing independent traders together.
For them, a space within the market is an opportunity to build relationships with customers and fellow business owners, while contributing to something happening in their town.
“For us, it’s not just about selling clothes. It’s about building relationships, supporting one another, creating opportunities and showing what a small family-run business can achieve when the whole family gets behind a dream.”
That family support runs through Raven’s story, from the inspiration behind the business to the people helping it grow.
A new chapter at Common Ground
Joining Common Ground gives Raven another way to introduce its collection to local shoppers and visitors exploring North Shields.
Alongside the other independent businesses moving in, Kelly and Jackie will bring their own interests, experience and personal welcome to the market.
“We’re so excited to be part of Common Ground and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Raven.”
We’re looking forward to welcoming them both—and helping more people discover the family behind the fashion.
Visit Raven at Common Ground
Common Ground opens on Friday 20 November 2026.
Find us at:
Common Ground
Former Wilko building
The Beacon Shopping Centre
Bedford Street
North Shields
NE29 6QF
Market opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 8am–4pm.
Common Ground is dog friendly and wheelchair accessible. We have our own Beacon Centre car park and are around a two-minute walk from North Shields Metro and Transport Hub, or a ten-minute walk from the North Shields ferry landing.
Interested in trading at Common Ground?
We welcome enquiries from independent businesses, makers, artists and specialist retailers interested in joining our community.
Email simmie@ilovenorthshields.com with a little about your business, photographs of your products, website or social media links and your preferred start date.
We carefully curate the trader mix, with opportunities depending on suitability, practical requirements and available space.
