As part of our Unity Rise project, CB Plus is proud to highlight Black-led businesses in Barnet making their mark with creativity and innovation. One such inspiring enterprise is Tabern Place, founded by Abi Laja, offering interior design services and bespoke homeware products that blend functionality, colour, and cultural richness.
A Unique Business Journey
Abi’s journey with Tabern Place began in the early 2010s, driven by a desire to create something personally fulfilling alongside her full-time career. Drawing inspiration from African architectural and interior design, her vision focuses on crafting spaces that are vibrant, functional, and culturally informed. After a pause and a restart in 2017, Abi concentrated on small-scale, high-quality production. She sells unique interior accessories such as duvets and cushion covers through Etsy, with items currently manufactured in Milan. She is exploring alternative production locations to balance cost with quality.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a business independently has not been without hurdles. Abi has self-funded Tabern Place and navigates high production costs, complex logistics, and the need for tailored support. She has faced challenges finding funding that aligns with her goals and securing mentorship that understands her sector and aspirations. Abi also notes the difficulty of connecting with relevant networking opportunities and increasing visibility while maintaining the cultural authenticity of her brand.
Despite these challenges, Abi remains focused on doing things differently.
“I’m trying to break through with something different, not just what people expect interior design to be,” she says. She also emphasises her passion for creating personalised, culturally informed spaces: “I love the idea of helping people manage their homes, making it personal and beautiful, just like we do back home [in Africa].”
Looking Ahead
Abi’s ambitions include creating studio-style student accommodation that is modern, affordable, and thoughtfully designed, inspired by her daughters’ university housing experiences. Her long-term goal is to continue offering culturally informed, innovative solutions to residential and communal spaces while expanding the reach of Tabern Place.
Blooms coverless duvets by Tabern Place: hand-finished, limited edition, and designed in mood-boosting colours for comfort and style.
Upcoming Opportunities
Tabern Place will be part of the CB Plus Black Business Fair at Brent Cross Shopping Centre this October, providing Abi with a platform to showcase her homeware products and introduce her interior design services to a wider audience. Through initiatives like Unity Rise, businesses like Tabern Place gain visibility, tailored support, and connections that foster sustainable growth.
Are you a Black-led business in Barnet looking to showcase your products, services, or creative work? Register your interest to take part in the Black Business Fair.
Discover more about Tabern Place and browse their distinctive homeware collection on Etsy, or visit their website at tabernplace.com
