// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Fundraiser launched to secure crafting shop future
It is a 'difficult period' for the Kiwi Fruit is Cute in Cheltenham
Three best friends are fighting to keep their independent crafting shop alive amid a rise in business costs.
The Kiwi Fruit is Cute in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, hosts charity events and hosts free community-drop in sessions.
When their previous home at Cavendish House was forced to close earlier this year, the shop moved to Lower High Street. Their new location means that overheads have "doubled" and they have since launched a crowdfunder to help cover these costs.
Siobhan Westmacott, one of the shop's founders, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "We are really in the position of trying really hard to make sure things can keep going month on month."
Sam and Siobhan say they, and fellow owner Zarina, 'don't want to give up'
The shop is known for its Make & Mingle sessions, which see people travel from far and wide with their own projects to knit, sew or craft in a group rather than complete the tasks at home alone.
Charities, such as Oscar's Community Corner, also use space in the shop for their own crafting projects.
Westmacott continued: "We are working other jobs and don't take a wage from the business at all, we put everything back in. We are personally pushing our own finances into it to try and keep things going.
"As much as the business is growing... it is a real struggle at the moment. We are in a difficult period.