Family Businesses and Entrepreneurs at Kent Fair 2026

“Entrepreneurship has always been woven into the fabric of Romany and Traveller life”

There was a cool breeze as I arrived early at July’s Kent Fair, though it wasn’t long before the day gave way to the intense heat, we’ve all been experiencing lately. Thankfully, many of the stallholders were well prepared, offering plenty of cold drinks alongside tables, chairs and umbrellas where people could sit - take a moment and enjoy the atmosphere.

Kent Fair has become an important date in the diary for so many of us. Held three times a year in April, July and October, it continues to bring together Romany and Traveller families, old friends and visitors from across the country. It is far more than a fair; it is a place where culture, heritage and community continue to thrive.

What was especially heartwarming was seeing so many young Romany and Traveller men and women embracing entrepreneurship. From traditional crafts to quality products, each stall reflected the dedication, resilience and ambition that have long been part of our communities.

Entrepreneurship has always been woven into the fabric of Romany and Traveller life. Whether through horse dealing, flower selling, market trading or skilled craftsmanship, generations before us built livelihoods through enterprise, determination and hard work. That same spirit is alive today, and Kent Fair continues to provide a place where those traditions evolve while remaining firmly rooted in our heritage.

One of the first things that struck me was the beautiful array of stalls. Their numbers have steadily grown over the past few years, reflecting the hard work and determination of those who return year after year, alongside new businesses finding their place within our communities.

On this visit, I came across a new stall that immediately caught my eye, Trueblue Reworks. A beautiful example of creativity, craftsmanship and individuality, this handcrafted denim work carries its own distinctive Traveller style.

Behind the Trueblue Reworks brand is the very talented and independent Jacqueline Maughan, a proud mother of three whose creativity has been part of her life for many years. Jacqueline has spent much of her life making beautiful costumes for children, from colourful tutus to outfits for special occasions, always bringing imagination and care to every piece she created.

Following her divorce, Jacqueline decided it was time to build something for herself and her children. Determined to turn her passion into a business, she took a leap of faith and created True Blue Reworks. Along the way, her cousin, Sinead, stepped in to offer encouragement, support and a helping hand, once again showing the strength of family standing beside one another.

These unique handcrafted denim pieces are beautiful and distinctive. Every item reflects individuality, personality and a love for creating something different, while giving new life to denim through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

After meeting this lovely duo, it was easy to see why this business has captured so much attention and by the end of the day the stall was almost sold out, a testament not only to the originality of Jacqueline’s handcrafted designs but also to the warmth, enthusiasm and infectious personalities of both ladies.

Watching Jacqueline and Sinead together, I couldn’t help but feel that this is only the beginning. The designs are fresh, distinctive and proudly rooted in Traveller creativity. I would not be surprised to see True Blue Reworks one day showcasing its collections on the London catwalks.

As well as creating bespoke handcrafted clothing, Trueblue Reworks is also available to hire for creative workshops and community events, inspiring others to explore sustainable fashion, craftsmanship and individual style.

I also couldn’t resist visiting the “Truly scrumptious” Amy Hilden’s Cake & Custard stand. Amy ventured into a new business a couple of years ago and began her journey at Kent Fair with a small, pink-painted caravan, selling her delicious homemade bakes.

Amy is a lovely woman, and her story has a special connection to my own family. My mother grew up with Amy’s father and uncles back in the very famous Gypsy Wardley Street in south London, so it was especially heartwarming to see Amy thriving and creating something of her own.

Over the years, Amy’s small caravan has grown into a bespoke van, specially designed to showcase and house all her wonderful homemade sweet treats. It was inspiring to see how far she has come, turning a passion into a successful business through creativity, determination and hard work.

Stories like Amy’s capture the true spirit of Kent Fair—where dreams can begin with a small idea, grow through dedication and become something that can be shared with the wider community.

Among the familiar faces were Bunny and Ezah Smith of Bunny’s Smith & Smith, a long-standing family business that has become synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.

Known and respected throughout the community, Bunny has spent more than 30 years building an outstanding reputation in the world of luxury pottery and fine collectibles. With an exceptional eye for detail and a genuine appreciation of British craftsmanship, Bunny has earned the trust of collectors across the country. Bunny is particularly renowned for her close collaboration with Royal Crown Derby, commissioning exclusive pieces that celebrate both heritage and timeless elegance.

Fifteen years ago, Bunny and her husband, Ezah, transformed their shared passion into Bunny’s Smith & Smith. Together they travel extensively, carefully selecting beautiful pieces from respected heritage makers, including Royal Crown Derby, Waterford Crystal, Carrs Silverware and other distinguished British and European artisans.

More than simply a business, Bunny’s Smith & Smith reflects the values that have long defined our communities, hard work, integrity, knowledge and pride in what you do. Whether helping seasoned collectors find a rare treasure or guiding someone choosing a meaningful gift, Bunny and Ezah offer a warm, personal experience built on trust.

During my visit, my family treated me to a rather special piece, a beautiful gold-beaded rosary with a Royal Crown Derby cross at the end. Bunny had these pieces specially commissioned with our communities in mind, creating something that felt both meaningful and deeply connected to our heritage.

I was absolutely delighted with my birthday treat, and it is something I will always cherish. It is these personal touches that make businesses like Bunny’s Smith & Smith so special, not only the quality and craftsmanship of the pieces themselves, but the thought, care and understanding behind them.

They are not only a wonderful couple but the heart of a truly inspiring family business. There is something incredibly special about seeing families working together, passing on knowledge, supporting one another and building something that can be shared across generations.

Family businesses have always been at the heart of Romany and Traveller life. They represent more than income; they represent connection, independence, tradition and the passing down of skills from one generation to the next. Seeing businesses like theirs continue to thrive is both encouraging and inspiring.

As I wandered around the fair, I couldn’t help but feel proud. Proud of our young people stepping into business. Proud of those who have spent decades building respected enterprises. Proud that our fairs continue to provide opportunities for families to support one another while celebrating who we are.

Kent Fair isn’t simply about buying and selling. It is about preserving traditions, strengthening community ties and ensuring that the next generation can see what is possible through hard work, determination and pride in our heritage.

As I left the fair, I was reminded that our communities have always adapted while holding firmly to their roots. Days like this celebrate not only our past but also our future. They remind us that our culture is alive in the families who travel together, in the businesses that are passed from one generation to the next, and in the young entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities of their own.

Long may Kent Fair continue to flourish, bringing people together, supporting small businesses and celebrating the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of our Romany and Traveller communities. There’s truly a stall to suit everyone’s needs or a deal to be done!

For those who would like to keep up with future fair dates, announcements and community updates, you can join Kent Fair’s Facebook page, where information is shared throughout the year.

Please Support Small Independent Community Businesses

By choosing to support small independent community businesses, you are helping families, preserving skills and encouraging the next generation of Romany and Traveller entrepreneurs to continue growing.

Trueblue Reworks on FB, Instagram and Tik Tok

Truly Scrumptious on FB email Amyhilden4@gmail.com for all your event needs.

Www.bunnyssmithandsmith.co.uk also on FB & Instagram

With Thanks to Joe McCarthy and Team for organising another well run and wonderful fair.

Dee Cooper Reporting for Travellers Times

(Photos by Eszter Halasi)

Lead photo caption: “Truly scrumptious” - Amy Hilden’s Cake & Custard stand with Amy and Tracey

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