PCG Member Focus!
Meet Member No: 100513446
Clare from Raggedy Lils
Hi,
my name is Clare Nicholls and I run ‘Raggedy Lils’, a handcrafted home décor
business. I specialise in making shabby chic and vintage style items for the
home, all hand made by myself in my individual style.
I
have always been interested in arts and crafts, I studied Art and Design as
well as Craft, Design and Technology at A-Level. My inspiration for ‘Raggedy
Lils’ came from my first creation, a rag wreath made from scraps of material
and a wire coat hanger for Christmas for my home.
At
that time I was a single parent looking to find employment that was flexible to
fit in around family life with 2 children. Looking at paid employment was
proving unsuccessful and after studying Business Studies and other courses with
the Open University I was ready to do something other than motherhood! A friend
and volunteer from Home Start, Pearl Rees, had suggested I made and sold my
wreaths and so ‘Raggedy Lils’ was born, named after the use of rags and scraps
of fabric and after my daughter Lilly-Mae.
The
items I make are individual and one off decorative pieces created and inspired
by up cycled materials and decorations I use. I still make the rag wreaths, but
also now make wall art and cushions (now I have conquered my fear of a sewing
machine!) There’s nothing better than the feeling I get selling one of my
pieces, as I enjoy making them so much and it’s a complement when it’s
appreciated by another household.
Setting
up a business for me was proof that I can be more than just a mum and now I can
show my children that hard work and dedication are important in life. Even as a
single parent, with careful time management it is possible to run a successful
business. I would say the first steps to becoming an entrepreneur would be a
unique and marketable product that is financially viable, registration with the
correct government bodies and lots of networking and advertising to get your
name out there.
‘Raggedy
Lils’ is still in its infancy and I am sure there are lots out there that I
need to learn. It is all made worthwhile when I receive interest and
compliments I receive from fellow crafters and businesses.
Here
is my website - http://raggedylils.weebly.com/
My
items can also be purchased here - http://www.wowthankyou.co.uk/raggedy-lils
And
here - http://mummymakers.co.uk/raggedylils/
You
can follow me here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raggedy-Lils/516810261697409?ref=hl
And
here - https://twitter.com/RaggedyLils
And
here! - http://pinterest.com/raggedylils/boards/
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