What If Paisley: an oasis of creativity in Renfrewshire

Elise Hendry speaks to Catherine McAtier about What If Paisley’s ethos and what has made the place so beloved among its makers and customers

At a glance, a visitor might not quite grasp the sense of community that thrums through Paisley’s local businesses. However, with just one visit to What If on Moss Street, they’d quickly feel the heartbeat of the town through warm greetings, shared passion for local creativity and the genuine care that radiates from every shelf, conversation and handcrafted item.

Catherine McAtier opened What If five years ago with the ambition to build a creative hub where local Paisley creatives could thrive. 

When Covid hit, Catherine was forced to close her business and while uncertain about the shop’s future, she stayed hopeful by finding unexpected opportunities even in hard times. 

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“Serendipity came along and closed everything down… but serendipity also came along and said, well you can paint the shop now!” Catherine laughed. 

Part of Catherine’s success is thanks to the community that has lifted her up by offering a helping hand when times were tough, such as when a fire recently impacted the outside of the shop.

“Emma over at [local coffee shop] Kettle Black messaged and said, ‘Once everything is done, just come over and get a coffee’.” Catherine said. “There’s that sense of community where everyone wants to see if they can help.” 

Catherine McAtier, owner of What If, photo by Karen Honeyman

In terms of its origin, something intriguing about the rich history of Paisley motivated Catherine to pursue a self-sufficient business like What If.

“At one point in my life all I wanted to do was get out of Paisley,” Catherine divulged. “But now, I won’t hear anything said against it. The rebellious history of Paisley, with the likes of the Sma’ Shot, reminds us that we are the people that keep our town going. When people come into the shop, I’ll always recommend local over big companies. The way forward is local.” 

Catherine knew firsthand what it felt like to be stuck in a cubicle, burned out and uninspired. For creatives like her, a space to create with what their soul needs to communicate is not a luxury, it is essential. 

Photo by Karen Honeyman

“Our space is accessible to creative people now,” Catherine said. “At one point I was so focused on wellbeing, but now it is more to help people find their creativity and keep that creativity alive. You can tell that our makers love what they do because their hearts are in it.”

What If is a unique space for creatives to showcase their work while also encouraging people to be creative again after experiencing burn out. For Catherine her role is there to help creatives grow both creatively and personally by selling their work:

“It gives our creatives a way to learn their own value,” Catherine said. “I’ve always said to the creatives that come in here, I don’t put the price on your work, you do. But, if their price is too low, I will tell them!” 

Photo by Karen Honeyman

With that, Catherine offered a few pieces of advice for anyone that dreams of running a creatively minded business like hers.

“I’d tell people to take time for themselves,” Catherine stated. “That is key because a community-focused business can burn you out because you care so much. You also must remember why you’re doing it. You need to have a purpose and intention for it. Have boundaries and set your non-negotiables, put yourself first and try not to get taken along in someone else’s bubble. 

“The business is yours; you don’t have to be open seven days a week and… don’t be a martyr or get too caught up. Check in with yourself once a week, if you’re coaching other people, take your own advice. You have to walk the walk.” 

Photo by Karen Honeyman

Amid the conversation, Catherine paused to give herself a little bit of advice too. 

“If things get out of hand and life happens to me again, I think I would maybe take a step back. Life happens, right? So, I’d just take five minutes and breathe.” 

Every item in the shop has its own story and is made with so much care that it radiates through the door and windows. Stepping into What If is like entering a world of tremendous creative freedom, and that is down to Catherine’s dedication to her dream. 

What If, 25 Moss Street, Paisley, PA1 1DJ, 0141 889 1172, visit the website.