In Govanhill, the heart of the community beats through its vibrant local businesses. From bustling corner shops to long-standing family-run stores, these shopkeepers not only provide essential services but also preserve the area's cultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the stories of Govanhill's shopkeepers, uncovering the histories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the daily life of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood.

By Samar Jamal | Photos by Stefan Krajcik

When we think about the heritage of a place like Govanhill, we are often drawn to the community buildings – the churches, the halls, the synagogues – or the tenements which give the neighbourhood its unique character.

Yet too often, the businesses that breathe life into an area – the places that draw people in, provide services, goods and employment, and generate income for residents – go undocumented.

Last year, photographer Stefan Krajcik embarked on a journey to capture these shops and local businesses, driven by a desire to connect with the people and places that make up the community. Speaking about why, he says:

“We live in a society where increasingly more things are conducted online. Although some need to happen in physical space (such as haircuts, fixing your car, or others), it appears that we take the existence of these places for granted and perhaps undervalue their importance in our lives. I also think that some of these places have been around for a while and deserve to be explored. Who knows what tomorrow brings, and I wanted to capture just that.”

“We know that all people have a story, and this proved that. Often, what you see on the surface isn't what you get when you learn about people. This project was an opportunity to connect with people and places on my doorstep. I learned a lot about the history of places and the past of the people I interacted with, making me look at the place I live in more holistically.”

JRM Motors

Passing by the exterior of the building located on Inglefield Street, you wouldn’t realise the history of the garage within. The painted sign above the doors reads ‘JRM Motors Engineering Ltd’. Previously written as ‘J & RM’, the ampersand has now been removed. The obvious removal is almost like a ghost sign, a lingering memory of the previous owners and the arrival of Ezat, who took over four years ago.

The garage has been around for over 40 years, Ezat explains, and the decor of the space confirms that. An unconnected beige rotary phone hangs on the wall, and the car ramps have been in the space since the early 1980s. Although the surrounding houses have been developed, this building has remained unchanged.

“You can see, that door is a hundred years old, and the space used to be a horse stable,” points out Zakaria, one of the mechanics, as he gestures towards the sturdy doors, a mixture of wood and metal. “It was one of the first garages around to do MOTs, so it’s been here a long time and we have regulars who have stayed loyal.”

Jim’s Barbers

“This is their legacy, so we’ve got to keep that up. We don’t want to let our parents down.''

That's Jim speaking, named after his father Jim O’Connor, the original owner of Jim’s Barbers at 97 Calder Street. The barbers first opened in 1945, and changed hands several times before being bought by Jim O’Connor in 1984. The Irishman was well acquainted with the skill, working in the trade since he was 13. Now, the first floor shop is a family affair, operated by his children – two sons and a daughter. Previously the ground floor was run by their mum as Sinead’s, named after her daughter. It remains a hairdresser, but is now called Just William’s, named after the present owner, who also worked there when it was Sinead’s.

Jim recalls memories of being in the shop when he was 12 and helping to sweep hair. “We’re never gonna leave, put it that way”, he adds with a smile. “We’re in with the furniture.” The customer base has changed over the years, previously being a hotspot for Irish migrants, now their clients are mostly people from the South Asian community. But Jim says traditions have stayed the same: “People think the Turkish shave is a new thing, but my dad learned to shave when he was 13. He got that antique shaving set from a retiring barber in Ireland there on the wall and that's about a hundred years old”. The rich history and commitment to quality have made Jim’s Barbers a cherished space, blending old-world charm with a sense of community.

Southside Music

“My parents are here” Charlie gestures to the shop's busy interior, highlighting how their presence continues throughout the space. Charlie Hepburn runs Southside Music on Cathcart Road, taking it over from his parents in 1989 who opened the shop in the mid ‘70s. The shop is brimming with stringed instruments, with a narrow path leading from the entrance to the til. When the shop first opened it provided a mixture of goods and services, including repairs for sewing machines, which many women from South Asian communities used. “Over the years, the focus shifted – from music and photography to just music. It’s evolved significantly.”

While Charlie’s aware that more and more people are shopping online, having a physical presence is invaluable to him. “I’m not a fan of the modern world. I prefer face-to-face interactions and truly getting to know people. I dislike the impersonal nature of just clicking on a screen to make a purchase. You can tell I’ve not changed things much, even my haircut’s from the 70s,” he jokes.

Over the years, Charlie has met his fair share of stars, from Simple Minds band members to musicians touring with Lionel Richie. Each encounter adds another layer to the rich history of Southside Music, making it a cherished spot for musicians far and wide.

Transylvania Shop and Coffee

On Victoria Road, one shopfront stands out; Transylvania Shop and Coffee. Well known for its theatrical seasonal decorations and array of Romanian food and drink. The shop was opened by Daniel and his partner Alex in 2020 amid the pandemic. Daniel explains that at the time they weren’t working and were cooped up at home, which finally motivated them to take the plunge and open their own shop in hopes of “offering something new to the community as it’s so important that people know about our heritage and history.” Whilst Transylvanian Dracula folklore is well known, the owners felt there was an important part of Romanian heritage that people were missing out on. They have decorations on the wall which belonged to Alex’s grandmother and are over 150 years old.

For Daniel and Alex the location of the shop is just as integral, situated on 462 Victoria Road, it is one of “the best communities in Glasgow” and their inclusive approach welcomes everyone to enjoy a treat from Romania. “Our shop is for everyone. Doesn’t matter the religion, orientation or gender. In our shop, you can find everything for the whole family.”