Ethical lifestyle

This spring, Uneeka celebrates a remarkable 20 years in business. 

The anniversary celebrates two decades of creativity, ethical trading and strong community ties for this independent Cornish retailer known for its curated homeware, furniture and lifestyle accessories.

Founded in 2004 by friends Jodi Skelton and John Tornabene, Uneeka’s journey began after a life-changing trip to Nepal. Inspired by their travels and driven by a passion for fair trade, the pair opened their first store in Truro’s Lemon Street Market in 2005. Their vision: to bring ethically sourced, one-of-a-kind goods to a wider audience.

What started as a modest unit has since grown into a trio of thoughtfully designed retail spaces. Today, Uneeka operates a vibrant lifestyle store on Boscawen Street (complete with a café and yoga studio), a home store on City Road showcasing furniture and decor, and a light-filled shop in Falmouth’s Market Street. All locations stay true to the welcoming and ethical ethos that has defined the brand from day one.

At its core, Uneeka’s philosophy is all about a lifestyle made fair. Its collections are ethically sourced, thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted, combining global artistry with local values. The name itself, a fusion of “unique” and “eureka”, reflects the spirit of discovery that runs through every product on its shelves.

Since 2009, Jodi has steered the business solo, forging lasting partnerships with family-run suppliers and social cooperatives around the world, while also working with local and UK-based makers. “From the very beginning, provenance and support for small traders have been fundamental to Uneeka,” he says. “It’s something we’ve never compromised on.”

This care extends to the team as well. Many staff members have been with Uneeka for over a decade, forming a close-knit working culture. “Uneeka has been a massive part of my life for the last 14 years,” says Operations Manager Jess Prisk. “There’s nowhere else I’d want to work. I love the focus on fair trade, the creative freedom, and the values that make it feel like more than just a job.”

To mark the milestone, Uneeka has turned to storytelling and creativity. A special anniversary video has been produced with a local videographer, offering an intimate look at the people and passion behind the business. The film captures reflections from Jodi and the team, celebrating both the journey and the values that have shaped Uneeka.

In another commemorative gesture, artist and Café Assistant Manager Jessie Klaiber of Klaiber Studios created a limited-edition watercolour illustration, celebrating the brand’s essence – community, creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. “I aimed to capture Uneeka’s heart through visual storytelling – from its commitment to fair trade to the vibrant people who make it special,” says Jessie. The artwork features on a collection of eco-friendly tote bags and notebooks produced in collaboration with Coffee Notes, using recycled coffee cups.

Uneeka’s evolution has always been rooted in innovation and family. Jodi’s sister Louise was the first to join the team, bringing her eye for styling and product curation to the homeware department. In 2017, Jodi’s wife Carrina Skelton officially became Director, contributing her management and communications expertise to support Uneeka’s continued growth.

Together, the family-led team has expanded the business with new services such as interior styling, a ‘designer for a day’ offering, hands-on workshops, and community events at Café Uneeka. Later this year, Uneeka will also launch a new website, making its thoughtfully curated collections and design services even more accessible.

Reflecting on the brand’s journey, Jodi says: “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. There have been challenges, of course, but also so many wins. We’ve always evolved with our customers’ needs, and it’s all thanks to our brilliant team and our loyal community.”

Carrina adds, “We’ll continue to inspire conscious living with ethically sourced, high-quality products and a personal, considered approach. For us, it’s about helping people make meaningful choices.”

From a small market stall to a leading name in ethical retail, Uneeka’s 20-year journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven business. As Cornwall’s independent retail scene continues to flourish, Uneeka remains a shining example of creativity, integrity and community at its best.

UNEEKA
uneeka.home showroom: City Road, Truro TR1 2JL
uneeka.life and cafe.uneeka: 5 Boscawen Street, Truro TR1 2EL
uneeka.life : 25 Market Street, Falmouth TR11 3AS
hello@uneeka.com | 01872 888530 | www.uneeka.com