For many years I worked for large garment manufacturers, working my way up, and finding most success in the quality area. I had my daughter at 41, which was a bit of a surprise - I thought I was too old. 6 days later, I had a brain haemorrhage, following which I spent 3 days on life support, and 5 weeks in hospital. I had excellent care, and a gifted surgeon, recovered, and went back to work part time.
Later, having been made redundant, and needing the money, I took a full time, local, admin job for a couple of years, gradually getting more and more frustrated. My attitude to life had changed completely following the haemorrhage - I wanted to spend more time and energy at home with my husband and daughter, since I’d been granted a second chance.
I remember that, one day, I was told to do something that I didn’t think was ethical. At that moment, I decided I wanted to work for myself, so I left, became self-employed, and used my sewing skills to take a couple of part-time consultancies advising on fit, whilst I started my own business.
Now I work full time from home making beautiful, quality products, designed to last as long as possible. I spend lots of time with my husband and daughter; I walk in the forest; and every day I thank God I’m still here, and able to make a difference.
My products are designed to last for a reason - we have been such a throwaway society for so long, that we’ve forgotten that quality products last longer, and are therefore using up less resources. Also, lots of my products are designed to replace plastic or paper items - bowl covers (cling film), shopping bags (carriers), gift bags (paper wrap and sellotape), and are intended to be re-used over and over again.
I try to design my products with the forest ever in the background, so for instance, my shopping bags help to stop invidious plastic carriers being discarded carelessly and desecrating the countryside; my bowl covers means plastic film can be used less; my advent calendars are refillable and reusable, so packaging isn't thrown away every year, my gift bags and 'Pass the Parcel' are reusable, and reduce the amount of paper wasted.
Individually, we can't have a massive impact, but if we all make slight modifications in the way we live, the impact can be massive. I hope my products help to make the necessary momentum to help save this wonderful forest for generations to come.
I hope you like them. Thank you for looking.
