What was the drive behind you starting Presently Thinking?
I had recently moved in with my girlfriend, after shutting down a previous business that was suffering in the recession (ski holidays – not a priority for people when they are struggling financially!) Chris and his wife had just had their second child, and he was spending his entire salary on childcare! So he decided to join me in the venture, give up work, spend nothing on childcare, and any income would be a bonus.

Tell us the story of how you started? How long has the business being running?
As most great ideas do – it started one night in the pub. The concept of individualised, or personalised gifts was one that appealed to both of us. We have been going for around 18 months now.

Have you always enjoyed working with wood?
I have never worked with wood before – and am so incompetent in the workshop that Chris bans me from going in there. He does all the clever stuff – and I write all the web content, customer letters, do the accounts, the VAT returns, have fights with the bank manager etc. It is in fact quite a good working relationship – we both have very different qualities and abilities, and they complement each other.

“As most great ideas do – it started one night in the pub… We have been going for around 18 months now.”

How do decide on new product lines? Where do you get your ideas from?

All over. We try to have new products in development all the time, and I tend to scan newspapers, magazines, specialist journals, hobby websites and blogs to try and understand the way people are thinking. New products are expensive to bring to market however, and it takes time.

From your own range, what is your favourite piece, so far?
The beach hut toybox. It is so big, bright, different and attractive. We have never had a negative comment about it.

Do you use recycled materials?
We don’t use recycled materials – but our products are almost all recyclable to a minimum of 98%, if not 100%. We use new wood because we need our products to look great, and when the raw material has already been around the houses a few times, it always looks that way. We are aware that “shabby chic” is a very popular look, and recycled materials lend themselves very well to that style. Perhaps we ought to run a competition where WowThankYou visitors offer ideas for new shabby chic products, and we can produce them to order?!

Do you promote your work purely online, or do you attend shows, stock stores/galleries etc? What have you found to be the best way to sell your items?
At the moment, we are purely online – our own website, WowThankYou and Amazon. We tried eBay, but it just didn’t work for us.

Where do you carry out the work? Have you a workshop?
We rent a commercial unit from Leicestershire County Council. We are in Measham, in the heart of the new National Forest, and commuting to work takes around ten minutes on country lanes. The setting is glorious, and we both really like the situation.

Do you enjoy what you do – what do you get out of it personally?
We both enjoy it tremendously. Self employed people say they like having the independence, and no-one telling them what to do. This is true for us – but the truth is that our customers tell us what to do, and when and how to do it! So perhaps the myth is a little bit flawed, but it is good to have the degree of control that we do have.

Where would you like to see the business in five years time?
In a bigger unit, with more sophisticated products, and around five employees. We have no pretensions to go global, or dominate the world. Quality of life is very important, as is a good work-life balance.

We’re in a global recession – how did you find business during 2011?
Very tough – you really have to fight for customers. But it sharpens your act, makes you think harder and perform better – and your products are better quality, and offer better value for money.

“Self employed people say they like having the independence, and no-one telling them what to do. This is true for us – but the truth is that our customers tell us what to do, and when and how to do it!”

Can you envisage expansion where you have employees (of course following the same handmade ethic)?
Yes – see above. Product quality does not have to suffer just because the company is bigger, and making more of them. If anything, quality can improve, with more specialisation of employees.

What do you think of Chinese imports? Is there any quality there at all?
The overriding consideration for me is that it cannot be possible for Chinese imports to be the price that they are without the use of what amounts to slave labour, however you dress it up. And no, I don’t think there is any quality there.

Do you think it is possible to get people to choose quality over cheap and cheerful?
Yes – we do it all the time. There is – and always will be – a market for well made products. We have never sold on price – quality and individuality are our cornerstones.

What has been your business highlight so far?
Just surviving in this recession has been an achievement. We look forward to the inevitable upturn, when we are convinced we will do really well, as people will have more money to spend on self indulgence.

What advice would you give to a designer-maker who wants to take their hobby and launch it as a business? Is there anything you wish someone would have told you about before you started?
Make sure you know exactly what your product is, and how much it costs to make. Start small, from your back bedroom if you can, and develop gradually, but surely. Do anything possible to avoid taking out a bank loan (which we have avoided) – once they get their claws into you, life can become very difficult.
And believe in yourself. I saw a quote once, effectively saying that often people lose the race because they get off the horse half way round the circuit. Business is a marathon, not a sprint.

Just for fun …

If you had the leading role in a hit movie, what film would you be in, and why?
Al Pacino in “Frankie and Johnnie” – because he gets together with Michelle Pfeiffer! And it is a great film.

You are planning a dinner party to impress – what would you serve as the main course and dessert?
Beef Wellington, with an estate bottled Chateauneuf du Pape. And my girlfriend’s home made plum torte and cream.

Who would you invite to this meal (famous, non-famous, alive or dead)?
Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Laurens van der Post, Ernest Hemingway.

You’ve won the lottery (congratulations!) What would be your first purchase?
A magnum of Pol Roger.

What is your dream holiday/holiday destination?
Heli skiing in Canada.

Sum up your personality in five words …
Determined, considerate, obstinate, humorous, confrontational.

John and Chris have a fantastic business with endless possibilities – they already have a great range of quality products. John has the drive and determination to make their business grow with Chris providing the skills to make them happen. So often businesses succeed because two complimentary individuals come together and share their skills and knowledge. WowThankYou once mentioned a product concept to John, and we’ve just heard it will soon be appearing in their range! Very proactive indeed! We wish them all the best and hope that the quality of their products will shine through.
Visit the Presently Thinking store on WowThankYou, and treat yourself, a friend, or relative to a superbly practical, personal gift that will last a lifetime.

Tell us about yourself?
I have always been interested in food, wine and business. Having worked for a large global organisation for many years, I consider myself very fortunate to now run a small business doing all the things I really love.

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
We are the UK Truffle experts. We sell fresh truffles in season and we are the only company in the UK manufacturing Truffle Products. The idea came to me when I was living in Italy, and I became obsessed with fresh truffles.

Describe your product range
We are the UK’s leading supplier of fresh truffles. And we make a whole range of truffle products, including Truffle Oils, Truffle Honey, cooked and preserved Truffles, and Truffle Butters.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
We have a small Truffle distribution and manufacturing Unit at Sandpool Farm in Gloucestershire.

How is business?
Business is great fun, we are having a ball!

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
Most of our Sale growth has come by word of mouth from our (mostly) happy customers. We pride ourselves on quality of product and excellence in customer service, and the word seems to spread.

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
On the fresh truffle side we sell to a lot of customers that are well known, footballers, celebrities, and wealthy business leaders. However, we can’t disclose the names of our clients as we have to respect their confidentiality.

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
I would like to be known as an established luxury brand that is trusted for excellence of quality and customer service. On a practical front I would like to be exporting a great deal of our product.

What has been your business highlight so far?
Receiving an email or telephone call from one of our customers telling us that our customer service is excellent is always a business highlight.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Don’t let people talk you out of it, or let them put you off. Now is not the time, or it’s too specialist, or it’s already been done. If you think it’s a good idea, go for it.

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
Err ….

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
I’m not a great reader, but I read Slaughterhouse Five when I was 18 and I can’t help reading it again and again. Such a great book.

Favourite song of all time?
Whole Wide World by Wreckless Eric. I know it’s not the most melodic track ever recorded, but is has great sentimental value to me.

Pets – cat or dog?
Cat.

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Definitely trekking in the Himalayas, but only if my wife and daughter can come along.

TruffleHunter’s products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Emma Rogerson and I live in a fab part of Nottingham called West Bridgford. I am married to Andy and have two fabulous children. I used to be a children’s clothing designer but when the retailer I worked for couldn’t accommodate part time hours after having my children, I knew I would have to take a different path! I have always loved designing and creating so Clarkie Designs was a natural progression. I also love spending time with my family, travelling, eating chocolate and riding my bike along the river.

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
When I had my little boy I couldn’t find any pictures for his nursery that I really loved, so I designed my own. Then when my daughter came along I didn’t want the usual pale pink theme and designed another set of pictures around bright funky flowers. It struck me that other mothers may be struggling to find artwork they loved so I slowly built up a range which I started selling at my little boys Pre-school fair. I had lots of lovely comments (and a few sales!) so I progressed to organised craft fairs and built my own website.

Describe your product range
When I started designing pictures I wanted a clean graphic style so used cut paper to collage different designs. It became apparent very quickly that many people bought them as gifts and that personalisation was very popular. Therefore I developed a range of prints around names or initials. My little door name prints came next after many requests for a product that could be hung on bedroom doors. My newest addition is my range of personalised greetings cards which have proved hugely popular.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
I make them all at home.

How is business?
It’s building every month!

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
I mainly sell online through my website and sites like WowThankYou. I promote through Facebook which has been great and I also do some local craft fairs.

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
No, but I’m sure Beyonce and Jay-Z will be contacting me soon!

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
At the moment Clarkie Designs is a part time venture that fits around my little girl who is still at Pre-school. Everything I make at the moment is being put back into the business. I would love to build it up to be a full time business that grows with my children.

What has been your business highlight so far?
It’s a highlight every time I get great feedback from a customer or one returns for another picture. There is nothing like knowing people are willing to part with their hard earned cash for something you have created!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Take every opportunity that comes your way as you never know where it may lead! Listen to your customers’ good and bad comments. It’s the reason I still do craft fairs. I love the contact with people and you really hear about what they like or dislike in your range. They also often come up with great ideas!

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
Q. What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back?
A. A stick (I like simple jokes. I never get complicated ones!)

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
I have lots of books I have loved but ‘The Other Hand’ by Chris Cleave stands out for the most amazing ending.

Favourite song of all time?
I found Lovin’ – The Fatback Band

Pets – cat or dog?
My lovely old cat Sidney

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Can I do both? Travelling is the only thing I miss from my old job before children!

Clarkie Designs’ products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
I am Mandy Davies; I’m a 43 year old wife and mother of four fantastic kids. My early work life included working as a theatrical agent in London’s West End before I set up my own dance school.
I left my native Essex in 2002 sick of the “rat race” lifestyle to find a better work life balance for me and my family and relocated in Newquay, Cornwall.
I still run my very successful dance school in Cornwall but have also started our company, Duck Soup UK with my husband of 20 years, Barry.

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
Duck Soup UK is a company born out of a single idea. Not being designers or manufacturers by trade it was a big leap of faith for us to trial this route of business. We were a family who loved walks and days out at the beach and we decided to get a dog to complete the picture. This is when we realised that modern day dog ownership brought with it a modern day dilemma. When I was younger no one picked up after their dog (disgusting I know, but that’s how it was) but these days we are all more morally and ecologically conscious, hence I found myself in the company of a very unwelcomed guest whenever I walked my dogs. This became particularly hard when my kids wanted to hold my hands!

Describe your product range
I became more and more aware of dumped bags along our walks and it occurred to me that I’m not the only person who hated this job. Lots of people went to the effort to pick up, but as there is rarely a bin close by they would get fed up with carrying this nasty bag and discard it at the first opportunity (i.e. a hedgerow). This was when I knew a solution was needed, initially just for me – and along came the Dicky Bag a soft, leak proof, odour proof, washable, hands free bag for carrying your “Richard the Thirds”. We now have a range of products from bottle huggers to bait bags.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
All of our products are made from the finest quality neoprene which is designed to be used in extreme sports so they are definitely made to last. We utilise all the properties of neoprene including insulation, waterproof, leak proof and airtight. The Dicky Bag is available in 5 sizes to suit the full range of size and number of dogs. Being an accessory for the person it also comes in a range of colours and patterns because we all like different things, and we are trying to make responsible dog ownership fashionable! We have been putting the finishing touches to our baby range which includes an airtight dirty nappy store which has been designed specifically to help real nappy users, a bottle hugger which can fit all types of bottles, jars and cans and a change bag which can go on to have a very useful life as a swim or sports bag when the nappies are finished with.
We want to make products that last, that can be used for more than one purpose and that can make family life easier and more pleasant.
We have a list of new or improved products we just need enough time to get them all made!
All our products are handmade in our factory in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, and we are very proud of this. Neoprene is a specialised material with numerous fantastic properties and qualities so it needs to be treated with respect by specialists.

How is business?
We have been trading for 2 and half years and we have made slow but steady progress. We have developed a completely new concept and we have to be prepared to wait for the consumers to ready to embrace this change and discover that it works. This is why our Dicky Disciples are so valuable to us, these are our customers who like nothing more than to spread the word of Dicky Bag because they will never walk without it again.

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
We are launching our new products to help awareness. No one wants to write about solutions to dog poop they just want to moan so our baby products will hopefully gain us some much needed PR.
2012 has started with a bang so we are feeling very positive about business this year, and the positive feedback from all our Disciples keeps us going.
Most of our promotion is on line, via dog friendly sites and dog forums. Twitter has proved invaluable, despite my initial reservations on how effective it would be. It has allowed our business to have a personality which is ideal because we are real people not a huge corporation so people can feel involved with us and our ideas. We have also been to a number of county fairs, Christmas markets and large Dog events to raise awareness of our product, this ties in nicely with twitter because people love nothing more than a tweet up and they are so excited to meet you in person you feel like a minor celebrity (great for the ego!)
We are building up more and more trade customers, including the Lake District Visitor Centre. This year we want to get better representation in the gift, travel, camping and outdoor market. I’ve owned a dog for years but only been in a pet shop twice so I know I would still be in the dark about the Dicky Bag if I hadn’t invented it. We are also very keen to get journalists to trial our products because we know how fantastic they are but you can only truly appreciate them when you’ve used them.

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
We have a few celebrity Dicky Disciples, Dawn French, Annabel Giles and Matthew Wright to mention but a few.

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
5 years from now we will have a good following in the UK and abroad, and Duck Soup UK will be a brand known for quality, fun and practicality. Dicky Bags will be as popular as the dog lead, we will have our own material designs and a never ending list of new ideas and designs.

What has been your business highlight so far?
We’ve had a number of highlights – being one of the final 4 in “Highstreet Dreams” a BBC national TV programme; being runners up in the Ignite Business Plan Competition which has the biggest prize fund in the UK; and most recently winning the Silver Award for Design in the Mumpreneur UK competition. However, at the risk of sounding extremely cheesy, every time a customer tells me how great they think the Dicky Bag is a highlight.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Be prepared for a long distance run, not a sprint.

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
Policeman stops a driver and notices he has 3 penguins in the back seat. He says to the man, “You can’t treat those penguins like that you should take them to the Zoo!”
A couple of days later the policeman sees the same driver and he still has 3 penguins in the back seat but this time they’ve got hats and sun glasses on. “I thought I told you to take those penguins to the Zoo?” said the policeman.
“I did” replied the driver! “And we had such a good time I’m going to take them to the beach tomorrow!”

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
George Grove and the Dragon. It’s the first in the George Grove Project series. It’s written by a friend of mine and reading it makes me feel so proud.

Favourite song of all time?
Vienna – by Ultravox

Pets – cat or dog?
Two dogs (surprise, surprise) – Rosie the Irish Terrier and Barney Fang (poodle x patterdale)

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Trekking in Himalayas – definitely like a bit of the unknown and adventure.

Duck Soup’s products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
I’m a middle aged male with more years behind me than I care to mention! Living in the North West of the UK with three females … my other half and two cats! I like to do a bit of cycling in an attempt to keep fit and take my camera most places I go as I am always in search of a good ‘arty’ shot. I have a wide taste in music and can feel equally at home listening to rock or opera … depends on my mood!

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
I specialise in printing ribbons with customer’s personal messages. It was a classic case of mid-life crisis and the ribbon printer was more affordable than a Harley Davidson! It didn’t matter which I got really … a middle aged man just needs a machine to tinker with! I found it served a niche that appealed both to crafters and the general public. It meant I could offer a desirable product (I hope!) for sale in small quantities at a price that won’t break the bank!

Describe your product range
Good quality ribbon including double-sided Berisfords satin, from 10mm in width up to 50mm mini banner ribbons which are great for edging craft fair tables! I have a range of colours available immediately (currently 14 in the 10mm range) and am happy to take requests for others.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
All my work is produced in a dedicated studio.

How is business?
It’s OK, could always be better! I had quite a good Christmas (my second for PrintedOnRibbon) and I’m now looking forward to the next key date in 2012 for me which is Valentine’s Day!

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
My entire business is run online via a chain of Web Shops. I promote via Google and Facebook Ads, forums, email shots etc …wherever and whenever really!

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
Not that I know of!

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
Offering an extended range of ribbon sizes and colours and be featuring other related products that my machine can produce such as bumper stickers and name labels, all with the same high standard of customer service that I strive to deliver at all times. I might even invest in another machine that does something else! Watch this space lol.

What has been your business highlight so far?
There’s been two really, making my biggest sale ever to a customer who still comes back for more! And making multiple sales to crafters in New Zealand!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Don’t do it … I want all the work lol! It would have to be … “If you think it’s 9 to 5 … forget it!”

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
A vicar new to the area visited a little old lady who owned a pet parrot. He noticed that the bird had a ribbon tied to each leg. “What are the ribbons for?” he inquired. The old lady said: “If I pull the left ribbon, he sings ‘Clementine’, and if I pull the right ribbon, he sings ‘We’ll Meet Again’.” “And what happens if you pull both ribbons at the same time?” asked the vicar. “I fall off the perch!” said the parrot.

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
Don’t really read books. Like doing Sudoku though!

Favourite song of all time?
‘The Show Must Go On’ by Queen. It’s the story of life isn’t it!

Pets – cat or dog?
Two black cats … double lucky?

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Shopping in Dubai …I’m a shopaholic!

PrintedOnRibbon’s products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
I’m Paula, I live in Yorkshire with my husband Richard and we have two teenage daughters and a dog. As far back as I can remember I have enjoyed making things, hand stitching clothes for my Sindy doll and later clothes for me when I got my first sewing machine. I knitted cardigans for my daughters when they were born and made my own curtains and home furnishings. I love to work with paper and card, fabric, pretty beads, buttons and threads. I am a typical Virgo and strive for perfection!

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
I make a wide range of cards and invitations for all occasions but concentrate on bespoke orders in particular, invitations for Weddings, Engagements, and Christenings. I started off making cards for relaxation and as a means to buying more crafting supplies, but the number of requests I have had has encouraged my desire to turn my hobby into a business.

Describe your product range
Cards and invitations and mini wall art. I enjoy hand sewing so most of my designs at the moment incorporate stitching with tiny beads and sequins, making each card slightly different and individual.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
At our non-smoking home. I love my dedicated Ikea shelving unit with sliding glass doors where I keep all my supplies and work in progress. I have a crafting table next to it for use in cold weather and head for the conservatory on warm sunny days, though I do like to sit in there when the rain is pounding on the roof.

How is business?
Just starting out professionally and I’m looking forward to more orders and new challenges!

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
Most of my sales are through word of mouth, requests from my husband’s colleagues (he should be on commission!) but I also attend craft fairs and sell online. I am currently making enquiries into selling in independent stores. I promote my work through online sites too.

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
No…but I’m not fussy, I’ll make for anyone.

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
Shuddering at the thought of being nearly 50, I would love the business to be successful enough that I can do it full time, maybe selling from my own work studio/shop.

What has been your business highlight so far?
I love to get feedback about the work I have done. The first wedding package I did last year, I was so nervous, but the bride and groom (our friends) were delighted with them as was I when I got one of the invitations through the post. Also the thrill of seeing guests using the Order of Service in the church.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
There is so much competition you have to offer something unique with excellent customer service.

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
Just as a surgeon was finishing up an operation the patient wakes up, sits up and demands to know what is going on. “I’m about to close,” the surgeon says. The patient grabs his hand and says, “Oh, no you’re not! I’ll close my own incision.” The doctor hands him the needle and says, “Suture self.”

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
No one favourite book; back in 1986 my husband (then boyfriend) lent me Pet Semetary by Stephen King and I’ve enjoyed being scared by his books since then.

Favourite song of all time?
Probably Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths, because it was the soundtrack to the Art Gallery scene in one of my all time favourite films, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and of course more recently featured in a Christmas TV advert.

Pets – cat or dog?
Dog, we waited 2 years before deciding we could give a dog the time and attention it would need and got Tilly, our Border Terrier 4 years ago. Best decision we made.

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Trekking in the Himalayas, I love being outdoors though I would need to get fitter for trekking, much more strenuous than my usual exercise of swimming and dog walking.

PS pinkliliboo’s products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
Oh gosh, where to start! I’m a mum, a wife, and I’m very lucky to be the owner of Neverland Creations. I’m very creative, fairly geeky, completely and blissfully out of touch with current affairs and I have a very addictive personality, namely to chocolate!

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
Neverland Creations provides families with keepsakes to treasure. I started a beaded jewellery course at nightschool as a hobby, then when I had my son I discovered imprint jewellery (long story, not what you’d think!) I made myself a pendant, then my husband wanted a keyring, then his brother wanted a dogtag and, it’s snowballed from there. I didn’t really put too much effort into it until my daughter was born in February 2011 and I’m very fortunate to have two very good sleepers, so I need something creative to fill my evenings. In a nutshell, if my hands aren’t making something, they have a very naughty habit of putting food in my mouth, so I find it best to keep them busy! I started my Facebook page in May 2011 and revamped my website, and 6 months later had over 4000 likers and a regular stream of enquiries and orders. I’m hoping to turn it into a full-time business during 2012 and joining organisations such as WowThankYou is part of that plan.

Describe your product range
I design and make, from scratch, embossed silver jewellery and accessories, and patchwork items. My silver range includes pendants, bracelets and earrings for proud mummies and I’ve also made sure I’ve included accessories for proud daddies as they love their children just as much, so I didn’t want to miss them out! The men’s range includes cufflinks, tie slides and keyrings, as well as mobile charms and bookmarks for those who don’t ‘do’ jewellery.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
At the moment I have a dedicated corner of the living room as we’re in a tiny little house, but we’re planning on moving this year and I’ll have a dedicated studio.

How is business?
Better than I could have dreamed! After 6 months of really putting an effort in, as opposed to just letting it happen, I’m now getting repeat business from clients and I now have clients setting up payment plans for next Christmas.

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
Mainly online and through word of mouth (chatting to local business owners is great PR). I have attended fairs previously but my items aren’t the sort of thing people buy off the cuff. My main competitors are huge franchises and I know they attend the big baby fairs etc, but I really don’t have the budget for that – that said, I don’t have the time or the need either, which is great!

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
I haven’t … yet!

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
I would love to open a shop in Windermere. The plan would be to rent out shelf-space to other crafters and it would be a handmade giftshop. I also have a new, top-secret product in the pipeline so I would love to get that launched, but it needs a significant capital outlay so I need to source some finance first.

What has been your business highlight so far?
The sense of humility that my clients have given me. I work with some families who have lost children and they have scan pictures, handprints and footprints, and sometimes fingerprints. I feel (even more than I did before) incredibly blessed to have my two perfect children and that is worth more than any income.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Keep it personal and ensure you give every client, from enquiries to repeat clients, exceptional customer service. Every single client has fed back that they can tell it’s me, doing it because I want to, not just an employee in a franchise doing it because it’s what they’re paid for.

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
Where do you find a duck with no legs? Where you left it. Gets me every time!!

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
I can’t remember, I don’t have time to read any more! I tend to alternate between good old chick lit and murder mysteries like Jeffrey Deaver and James Patterson. Anything that provides a little escapism, I don’t do deep and meaningful!

Favourite song of all time?
“Just like a star” by Corinne Bailey Rae. It was our first dance at our wedding, strange choice but it sums us up completely.

Pets – cat or dog?
We have two cats – I used to thing I was a dog person but I’m glad my cats are fairly self-sufficient (except when they bring birds home, yuck!)

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Trekking in the Himalayas if I had to chose … give me a nice B&B in the Highlands anytime.

Neverland Creation’s products can be viewed in their online store.

Tell us about yourself?
I live with my partner in a lovely country village in a house overlooking the river. It’s gorgeous especially in winter when the snow falls. That’s my favourite time of year, even when we do get cut off from the rest of the world. We have two grown up daughters and two grandchildren who keep us very busy when they visit at weekends. My four year old grandson is my best critic – he’s very into interior design. It must run in the family.

What is your business and what prompted you to follow this path?
I took a very brave step last year to give up my job following a long and serious episode of clinical depression. I was so lucky that I had the support of my partner who was willing to lose the financial security of my well paid professional job just to help me get better. I knew I had to do something completely different to get myself back on track. So, I started to knit again as a type of therapy and that sparked off my interest in other crafts. I bought a sewing machine, I taught myself to crochet and I started to study a Diploma in Interior Design. I soon realised that I had the skills to create something beautiful, and if I loved the items I was making then surely other people would. I started Personal Space Interiors to showcase my handmade cushions, bags and decorative products. I wanted to offer everyone the chance to have something a little different and special for their home or for themselves. I was tired of seeing the same old stuff being churned out on the high street, and often found that more individual and unusual alternatives were very expensive. So I set up my own website and opened online stores with WowThankYou and other handmade promoters to sell my high quality products at very affordable prices. Why “Personal Space Interiors”? Well, doing this has helped me to get back my sense of self and my own personal space, and I wanted to make special products to help people make their home their own personal space so the name just seemed appropriate really.

Describe your product range
I use a mix of genuine vintage and retro style fabrics to make my range of cushion covers, tote bags, padded pin boards and other decorative items. I incorporate a range of skills and crafts in my work – machine and hand sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery and paper craft. I like to upcycle too by reusing beautiful materials in need of a makeover, for example by making cushions from curtains. Quality is key; all of my products are handmade by me and each item is given the care and attention to detail that I think quality products and the customers who buy them deserve.

Where do you make your products (home, studio etc)?
All of my products are made by me from home. I’m lucky that I live in a house with plenty of space to store all of my fabrics and equipment, but I still manage to spread everything throughout the house whenever I’m creating! My dining room is my work studio because the natural light is best there. I’d love to be able to say I was disciplined enough to clear everything away at the end of each working day but I’d be fibbing…

How is business?
Slow but steady.

How do you promote your work? Is it purely online, or do you attend shows/exhibitions, stock stores/galleries…?
I have held stalls at local craft fairs, but I’ve found that the market up here in the North East just isn’t there for homewares unlike in other areas of the country. My sales come from online buyers. I promote through my website, other online stores and social network sites. I also have my products for sale in a local interiors shop. I’ll be advertising in the local press this year and going back to basics with some leaflet drops to pick up local customers.

Have you had any famous customers? If yes, can you tell us more?
Sorry, but no exciting stories to tell!

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?
I’d like to be busy enough to make a living, but not so busy that I lose the enjoyment of what I do.

What has been your business highlight so far?
Getting lovely feedback from customers who were delighted with their purchases. And, getting a substantial order from a customer just before Christmas. Excellent timing for buying pressies!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to set up a business similar to your own?
Don’t expect sales to come to you, you have to do the legwork to get your products out there and attract customers.

Just for fun …

Tell us a joke (keep it clean) to make us smile
The classic Christmas cracker joke from ‘The Good Life’ … “The Ooh Aah bird is so called because it lays square eggs.” It doesn’t matter how many times I see that episode it always makes me giggle!

Best book you’ve ever read, and why?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has always been my favourite book. I was utterly transfixed when I read it as a child and it still gives me goosebumps when I read it now.

Favourite song of all time?
That’s really difficult, I have such an eclectic taste in music. I love anything by Kate Bush, she’s probably the true musical love of my life. I’ve loved her since I was seven so that’s 33 years and counting. There are so many others Radiohead, Elbow, I am Kloot, Muse, Florence and the Machine, David Bowie …

Pets – cat or dog?
I love both but I haven’t got either at the moment. My last pet was my splendid cat Mog who wandered into my house one day and then stayed for 10 years. I don’t think he ever belonged to me, he just chose to live with me and that made him so special.

Holiday – trekking in Himalayas or shopping in Dubai?
Prague in winter for the stunning architecture, glorious Christmas market and fabulous atmosphere. I just love it!

Personal Space Interior’s products can be viewed in their online store.

You could be one of THREE lucky winners to win this competition – where you’ll be able to choose the socks that suit you the best! All you have to do to enter is answer this simple question:

We recently interviewed Sean Page of Honey Dog Clothing. They regularly attend two markets – where are they?

• London
• Manchester
• Cardiff

For a clue, click here.

Competition closes 12 noon, 29th February 2012

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One lucky WowThankYou winner will receive a Sewing Needle Case, in the available colour of their choice. In order to be in with a chance of winning this lovely prize, all you have to do is answer the following question:

How tall are the Valentine Lavender Hearts available in Creative Stitching’s store on WowThankYou?

• 14cm
• 11cm
• 8cm

For a clue, click here.

Competition closes 12 noon, 29th February 2012

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