Curating the Fabulous: How Deb Kendall made Fabulous Places a destination
Step inside the world of Fabulous Places owner Deb Kendall, and you’re instantly transported to a place where beauty lives in the details and everyday moments feel just a little bit more magical. For over a decade, this lovingly crafted business has become synonymous with beautifully curated markets, championing independents, and the very best seasonal inspiration, all with Deb at its heart: one quietly determined woman with a deep love for the small things done beautifully.
A Leap of Faith and a Little Book of Shops
“I started Fabulous Places during the 2008 recession,” explains Deb. “It wasn’t ideal, but I thought – if I can make it work now, I can weather most storms.”
And storms she did weather. Made redundant from her PA job, she decided to turn her hobby into something more. For years, Deb had collected flyers and postcards from independent shops she'd stumbled upon – tucked away on quiet lanes and hidden courtyards, the kind of places you don’t find on the high street. These treasures filled a little book she still keeps, full of nostalgia.
Deb had the idea to collate her favourite spots into a blog, and shared this with her husband who - ever supportive, and handily a web developer too - suggested a website instead. Together, they launched Fabulous Places at the Belper Food Festival, equipped with a few printed screenshots and a lot of faith.
“I had no electricity at the stall,” she says, “just paper prints and flyers. But it worked. People connected with it.”
Creating Markets with Heart
From that quiet start came something much larger. Within months, she hosted her first event at Shottle Hall – initially a launch party, it quickly blossomed into a full-blown fair. Before long, her markets were a firm fixture in Derbyshire’s calendar, drawing visitors from all over the UK. And they weren’t your average markets. From day one, there was something different – something extra thoughtful. “I wanted to create events I’d want to go to myself,” she says. “Where every little detail, from the signage to the layout, made people feel looked after.”
Over time, The Fabulous Places events outgrew their original venues, and The Derby Roundhouse – a huge, atmospheric building – offered the space her markets needed to expand. “I nearly talked myself out of it,” she admits, “but something told me to go for it.” She leapt from 40 stallholders to 80, then to 120, welcoming thousands of visitors each Christmas.
Not Just a Market—A Memory in the Making
Ask anyone who’s attended one of Deb’s events, and they’ll tell you it’s more than shopping – it’s a celebration. A day out with friends. A chance to meet the makers and soak up the scent of seasonal blooms and handmade candles. Each stall is carefully selected, not just for quality, but for story. “I love it when someone applies who’s just starting out,” she says. “There’s something special about that moment—and I get to be part of it.”
Every event has Deb’s signature touches: seasonal styling, printed guides, and the much coveted market bags. “It’s a lot of work,” she admits. “I plan it all myself. But that means everything you see, every logo and flyer, is really me. I taught myself Photoshop just so I could do it all.”
It’s not always easy. “The weather’s a constant worry,” she confides. “We’ve had floods, gales, even the Beast from the East. I’ve cried, had my little breakdowns, then pulled myself together. There’s always something that goes wrong – but there’s also always something beautiful that comes out of it.”
Staying Rooted in a Digital World
In a world where social media evolves by the minute and online shopping tempts us with convenience, Deb’s certain of one thing: the in-person experience still matters. “I knew even during Covid that events would come back. People crave connection. They want to meet the person who made the product, to hold something real in their hands.”
Still, she’s not averse to mixing old with new. “Social media’s a great tool, but this year I’m going back to basics – walking through the villages with my flyers, popping into cafés. It feels right.”
Advice from the Heart
Looking back, what would she tell her younger self? “Go to bed!” she laughs. “Seriously – stop worrying. You’ll figure it out tomorrow.” And for others dreaming of starting something similar?: “If you have a passion, follow it. Start small, learn as you go, and stay true to what makes you tick.”
Deb’s story is proof that with vision, a little courage, and a deep love for all things local, you can build something truly magical. Something that leaves you feeling full of warmth, inspiration – and maybe a handmade treasure or two tucked in your bag.
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Photos by: Fabulous Places