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“I studied fashion and textiles at college and footwear design at university, before working in quality assurance for a large retailer. I went on overseas supplier visits, gained experience and soon wanted to create my own brand. Later, I worked in garment technology and product development, which I really loved. “I took a career break when my daughter was born. She was a great sleeper, so at night I started sewing, making things to sell at crafts fairs. I reinvested money I earned, for example, I bought a better sewing machine. I didn’t think of it as a business, even though I’d registered a limited company in 2012 and had a website built.
“Then I had my son, so my main focus for many years was my family, although I kept the business going. I was living in Liverpool, but moved back home to Oldham, to help look after my nanna and my mum. When my son started secondary school, it freed up time for me. I’m determined to use it to really grow my business. I’ve taken on premises above a friend’s hair salon and having the space I need has made me much more productive. I make high-quality textile products, mainly small bags, but sell other items, too.
Selling via online marketplaces has become more challenging because of the fees, which means I have to charge more. But people really do want high-quality handmade items, not cheap mass produced stuff. The rise in the cost of living has impacted my sales, but it’s forced me to think carefully about what I sell and who I sell it to. Doing craft workshops has given me greater insight into what customers want.
“Going up against larger, more established brands is a big challenge, but you must find ways to be special. You must have confidence in yourself, your business and what you sell. You must be authentic, put yourself out there and make your voice heard. People like that; they buy into it; they want to support small, independent businesses. “I haven’t taken much of a wage so far, but that has to change. I must grow my business and I can only do that by selling more, while controlling my costs, which is a challenge. I need to focus more on the financial side of my business, that is a key challenge for me, but business is all about overcoming challenges.
“Balancing business with family is another big challenge. At Christmas, for example, I’m busy selling and fulfilling orders, but that’s also when there are lots of things going on with the kids. It involves sacrifices and you just have to dig in at times. You really must think carefully about how best to use your time and not be too hard on yourself.”