Say hello to...
With just 1 week before the market - we are all very excited! Here's a little more info on 3 more of our lovely stallholders... See you at DIGMAS!
Artist & designer Emma Hardicker
Tell us a bit about your work and how you started...
I began my business in 2009 from a Summer House in the garden. After studying a BA in Textile Design and working as a studio photographer, I decided to explore my creative talents fully. I began painting abstract landscapes to exhibit in galleries, before moving into my favourite medium of print.
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
I'm inspired by the flowers right outside my window. This was where I began creating fresh, contemporary pattern based floral designs, screen printing these highly collectable limited editions by hand. I moved to my studio in The Custard Factory in Birmingham and now have the added influence of the city surroundings, so I've created a range of architectural cityscapes, filled with pattern and structure, as well as recognisable landmarks.
What’s next for you and your brand/work?
My aim is to create exciting pieces of art which do more than just brighten up a room. They will evoke memories, spark conversation and become a well loved part of your home. The business is now a thriving team of two, so everything is made by us, in house at our studio. Meaning we are able to proudly say all our products are made exclusively in the UK.
Ruth Phillips Patel - Oats so good
Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting – and how long have you been doing it?
Hi, I'm Ruth and I am the creator of 'Oats so good' and 'Chialicious'. About 18 months ago I decided to build my own business selling healthy hand prepared porridge, muesli and energy bite snacks with no added salt or refined sugar. For many years I've been combining ingredients to make my own oat based breakfast recipes and have always used what are now deemed as 'superfoods' long before they became 'on trend'. I think initially I was inspired by my Dad who has always added his favourite fruits and nuts to a simple muesli base to liven up his breakfast.
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
Well I love porridge so that helps! And I'm inspired by the fact that it's one of the healthiest breakfasts you can have. I like the idea that you really can revitalise your body through your breakfast. I'm prone to high cholesterol so eating plenty of oats helps me to manage that. I'm inspired by what nature has to offer and the endless possibilities involved in creating healthy breakfast variations.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
The key challenges are a) finding the time to progress my ideas whilst being a full time Mum to Maya age 8 and Lewis age 3, b) ensuring I stand out from the crowd amidst a fast growing and expanding superfood market.
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
Firstly I enjoy the creative process - much of what I achieved in my career prior to having children was creative and I was missing that aspect. Secondly I like meeting and talking to people at the markets where I sell my products. I also enjoy the research side and learning more about nutrition in general.
What’s next for you and your brand/work?
I'll be creating more recipes with unusual/lesser known ingredients, and adding some new product lines - look out for superfood chocolate drinks using raw cacoa powder and spices. I'm hoping to attend more markets next year and I will create an online presence.
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
I don't have an awful lot of experience under my belt just yet but I'd say you have to be passionate about what you're making and selling, understand your target market and be realistic about your business goals. Building your own business takes a lot of hard work ...so don't forget to indulge in some 'Oats so good' to keep your energy levels up!
Tell us a little about your work and how you started...
I studied photography at college, having always had an interest in that medium and had been collecting cameras and taking photographs since my early teenage years. I learnt to developed my photographs in the darkroom and enjoyed that creative process, which led me on to set up my own studio/darkroom in my home.
I've also always been interested in traditional craft and have been knitting and crocheting for as long as I can remember. When my first daughter was born, I made things while she napped and my designs grew from there.
What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?
It sounds cliched, but in all honesty my natural surroundings are the biggest inspiration for my work. When you have a creative eye - you never stop looking and gleaning wherever you go! I love natural textures and colours, wood, clay, stone, wool, flora & fauna, etc. Other people inspire me too - I love to see what other artists & designers create - it spurs me on in my own work!
What is your favourite part about the work you do?
I enjoy that my day to day is very varied, which keeps things interesting. One day I might be doing a photo shoot, another I might be finishing a wholesale order or attending a market. Being my own boss means I can be flexible too - which is very useful when you have a young family! Creating and making is just an extension of me and I feel very enriched when I'm doing it and its an added bonus when I see someone enjoying a piece of my work.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Pricing my work! Making it affordable for everyone, but also getting paid fairly for the time & energy I put into it. Also having the confidence to put myself out there and not worry what other people think.
Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?
Don’t expect overnight success, be prepared to work hard and fail sometimes too. You will probably refine the idea over time, but this will lead to something you are really proud of. Don’t get distracted by what other people are doing, be focussed on the work you are passionate about and what your strengths are.