The Pink Room is the only place any women should need to go- regardless of if you're having a good day or a bad one.
Acting as a safe space for all women in the heart of the city centre, The Pink Room is a store in the Corn Exchange that's just opened with the hope of empowering women across Yorkshire.
All stockists are indie female businesses and the best holistic practitioners reside here, plus they're all "passionate about empowering women through better mental, spiritual and physical health", which makes it all the more a place to visit.
The Pink Room is tackling gender-based issues, one at a time and aiming to "destigmatise mental health, normalise chats about women's health and use our skills for the good of woman-kind! It can be tough out there as a woman, whether you were born female or identify as one, we are here to help you be the best version yourself."
Born out of a drive to bring alternative health to the masses, the company's founder, Ella, has a long history of mental and physical illness and is devoted to empowering other women with the tools to heal themselves. After quitting her corporate job in her twenties, Ella has dedicated her livelihood to holistic forms of healing and is now trained as a Ella holds an endless supply of titles: holistic massage therapist, mindfulness and wellness coach, body positivity yoga teacher, feminist, mum, sister, friend and daughter.
Upon entering The Pink Room, you've got the choice of participating in events, speaking to a professional member of staff or simply browsing through the stock.
The shop itself is full of remedies, aromatherapy, modern witchcraft, gorgeous homewares, books, prints, skincare, wellness wonders, all created by small female makers in the UK.
The feel-good, women-centred-empowerment drive doesn't stop there though. Each month, the company let their social media followers choose a female charity of the month to donate proceeds to.
The company exclusively stocks products from indie female businesses. / Image: The Pink Room Leeds
Within their team, there's also an Energy and Spiritual Healer, Holistic Therapist, Women's Health Nutritionalist who is anti-diet and pro self-compassion (which is so refreshing to see), as well as a Women's Health Acupuncturist and a Holistic Massage Therapist.
The store opened just before Christmas 2021 and the staff have had big plans for the future since bringing the vision to life.
"This is our first small step into feminist enterprise, we have big dreams to find ways to make wellness more accessible to people with low incomes because every woman deserves to live their best life."
To find The Pink Room and make full use of their services, you can read more on their website or pop into their store in the Corn Exchange.
Feature Image- The Pink Room Leeds
Leeds
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds
Clementine Hall
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
Sophie Smith -
16th February 2023 
