As the founder of One Scoop Store, Holly Watkins is a leading voice in sustainable fashion and a pioneer in making pre-loved clothing mainstream.
With over 15 years in the fashion industry, Holly launched One Scoop Store in 2017 as an Instagram-based shop, where her keen eye for high-quality secondhand pieces quickly attracted a dedicated following.
Due to overwhelming demand, she expanded into an online store in 2018, followed by a physical shop in East London in 2019, which British Vogue soon recognised as one of the “Best Vintage Shops in London”.
Holly’s journey in secondhand fashion began as a student, with her first thrift find – a 20p sheepskin coat – sparking a lifelong passion. Over the years, she has seen perceptions around pre-loved fashion evolve, and champions it as not only the most sustainable way to shop but also one of the most enjoyable. She’s committed to making high-quality, stylish pre-loved pieces accessible, with One Scoop offering a curated mix of vintage, designer, and high-street pieces to fit various styles and budgets.
Holly’s innovative approach to sustainable fashion has led to major collaborations, including a pop-up with Selfridges for the department stores Project Earth campaign, and a six-month partnership with Club Vintage in Los Angeles and New York.
Her brand has attracted a loyal fan base, including celebrities and influencers like Venetia La Manna, Aja Barber, and Aisling Bea, all drawn to her unique, ethically sourced collections.
We caught up with Holly Watkins for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
My local area, of course – Stoke Newington. There’s lots to keep you busy at the weekend. Start at the Farmers Market at the bottom of Evering Road, wander down the High Street (popping into One Scoop Store, obvs!), and browse the shops on Church Street. Grab a coffee at Spence Bakery and see the deer and goats in Clissold Park.
Favourite place for brunch:
Abney Park Cafe – it’s a new spot serving the best coffee and delicious, freshly made cinnamon buns. The menu is seasonal; I’m currently loving the French toast with mirabelle plums.
Best coffee in London:
It’s a tough one – I love the coffee and cakes at Violet on Wilton Way, but the coffee at the Scottish cafe Auld Hag near Angel tube is also to die for.
Favourite gallery or museum:
White Cube in Bermondsey. I recently saw the Tracey Emin exhibition there, and it was so moving. The area is also really vibrant for a wander afterward, with loads of cute restaurants and independent shops.
Tell us a secret:
I’m a Scorpio; I wouldn’t know where to start with the secrets I know!
Favourite place to shop:
It’s niche, but Walthamstow High Street. I love the charity shops and the market there – it’s so vibey, and you can always find loads of bargains!
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Peckham. I often make the trip down to the car boot sale there – it’s like Dalston was when I first moved to London 20-odd years ago. The fashion students really dress up and are super experimental. I get loads of ideas on what to look out for when buying stock for the shop.
Best London destination for a date:
Soho is still the best place for dates, I reckon. You can’t be bored in Soho; there are so many good restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars. Plus, if it’s not going well, you’ll always bump into someone you know!
Favourite park:
Wanstead Flats. My brother lives in Leytonstone, and we go walking on the Flats a lot. It’s at the edge of Epping Forest, and there’s so much wildlife and natural beauty – it always feels like you’re miles away from London.
Favourite food market:
I find food markets a bit hectic, to be honest. But if I had to choose, I’d go to Broadway Market – you can stop for a drink at the Cat & Mutton for old times’ sake!
Your sanctuary in the city:
My bath! The best part of my day is the ritual of running a nice hot bath with some essential oils and reading for an hour or so. It’s my time to relax and reset. I always read in the bath (currently the new Sally Rooney), and it’s genuinely the only time I really switch off all day and don’t have my phone or any other distractions.
What inspires you?
So much, really – art, music, nature, but mainly people. I’m inspired all the time by my daughter to keep working hard and find joy in the smaller things – kids are so good like that! I’m also really inspired by people I know achieving their goals and just doing their thing.
This season I’m loving…
All the autumn clichés, really – Sunday roasts and a good bottle of red with friends or family, sunny walks, cosying up to watch a film with a hot cup of tea, and – dare I say it – getting out of London?! It always makes me appreciate it even more when I come back!