Portchester resident Helen Ruff is preparing to launch a new series of artisan markets at the picturesque Royal Clarence Yard, but her impact on the local creative scene is already clear. Through networking events, and her locally focused lifestyle magazine, Flo’s Mag, she’s steadily building connections and shining a spotlight on Gosport’s independent businesses and creative talent.

Helen’s path to the south coast has been anything but ordinary. Raised near Kingston upon Thames, she set off to see the world aged 20, travelling around Australia, before returning to study International Tourism Management in Eastbourne. Early roles took her further afield, from the Canadian Rockies to France, before she settled into Brighton’s vibrant travel and events scene in the early 2000s.

Over the years, she’s worked across everything from wedding fairs and hen and stag parties to hotel contracting, building a career that blends business instinct with a genuine love of bringing people together. Along the way, Chichester, Shoreham, Southsea and now Portchester, have each played their part in shaping a journey that has been rooted in community, creativity and a real appreciation for place.

“I loved Southsea – the independent vibe there is fantastic,” she says. “But Portchester really suits my lifestyle. It’s close to my son’s school, it’s peaceful, and it genuinely feels like home.”

Her 10-year-old son, Rupert, shares her love of the outdoors, and family time often revolves around the coast. “We’re happiest outside,” she says. “Kayaking, paddleboarding and camping trips are our usual escapes, especially around Stokes Bay and Alverstoke.”

After running a wedding business where she produced 13 print magazines and built up a strong online presence, the pandemic became an unexpected moment to pause and reassess.

“Covid gave me the space to slow down and try different things,” she says. “I trained in energy healing, spent time working with the elderly, and really thought about what matters most to me. I kept coming back to the same thing, which was supporting small, independent businesses and helping creative people.”

That reflection led to the launch of Flo’s Mag, a printed and online lifestyle magazine that debuted in October 2024 and celebrates local businesses, makers and community stories across Gosport and Fareham.

“The magazine is a team effort, says Helen, before explaining that she works with graphic designer Jo, marketing support Cayleigh, and a wider circle of freelancers that bring the magazine to life. “It’s a collaborative effort. We’re all passionate about what we do, and it’s that energy that makes it work.”

The markets are a natural extension of that ethos. Helen was first approached by a venue in Fareham to help make better use of a large space. From there, she began organising and running a series of artisan markets at the venue, which soon expanded to other locations.

Now she’s bringing the concept to Gosport, with the first Royal Clarence Yard market taking place on 12th April and continuing every second Sunday thereafter. “Expect artisan goods, local produce, live music, and a real sense of community,” she says.

“Gosport is creative, arty, and really supportive of independents,” Helen says. “People want to keep money in the local economy, and venues like Royal Clarence Yard provide a beautiful space to bring people together.”

I ask how she manages to juggle running the markets alongside producing the magazine, and she smiles knowingly. “The markets wouldn’t work without my right-hand man, Dan,” she says. “He’s incredible. He keeps everything running smoothly on the day, helps me think through logistics, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. Between the two of us, and with the support of the amazing freelance team behind the magazine, it all comes together. Honestly, it’s about finding the right people who share your vision – they make the impossible feel possible.”

Running Flo’s Mag keeps Helen’s life delightfully full and unpredictable. From uncovering local stories to curating content, organising photoshoots, and liaising with contributors, every issue introduces her to new faces, fresh ideas, and unexpected inspiration. “I thrive on variety,” she says. “The magazine isn’t just work; it shapes my life. Attending courses, workshops, and meeting people in the community all feedback into the magazine. Every encounter sparks something new, whether it’s a story idea, a collaboration, or simply a fresh perspective. It keeps me curious and connected, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Helen’s vision is clear: nurture Gosport’s creative spirit, support independents, and bring people together in meaningful ways. With the Royal Clarence Yard markets and Flo’s Mag, the town is about to feel a lot livelier – and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

You can read previous copies of Flo’s Mag here: https://issuu.com/flosmag

And follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/flos_circle and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Floscircle

For information on the Gosport market, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1514536206309018