Shop Independent

​I saw a Facebook post today from the Design Trust.  It was about all the pledges people make, especially around Christmas, to support local small businesses. Patricia who wrote the post talks very passionately about how we, as creatives, should not just be asking or begging for support, but explaining why it is important. Not just to talk about the economic benefits or how its keeps our high streets a more vibrant and safe place, but also how it impacts on us as individuals, especially what it means to us as individuals!

So I have pledged to tell 10 people about how I feel. About how every time you make a purchase with me, small or large, I smile and want to do a little dance. It is not just about the money, although that is important, it's about how you value what I do. How when you buy something I have made you are saying 'you did a good job'.  Don’t we all like to be told we do a good job?  Ever since I was a small child I wanted to make and paint things.  I had the confidence to just explore and create what I wanted.  I felt no boundaries.  But as an adult I had boundaries pushed onto me. Being a creative, when I was a teenager was not considered a job, although I was indulged there came a point where inevitably I was told to get a proper job.  Not because anyone wanted to stop me being creative, but out of love for me and concern for my future.  Inevitably I never settled in any meaningful career and jumped from job to job with no purpose and no sense of achievement, and quite frankly very little praise.  But, importantly, it did mean I could help support, my growing family.

But now you are that person who says yes I can be creative, yes I can do something you feel is important. You make me feel fulfilled and gives me a sense of purpose and achievement.  You make me feel confident and empowered. You make me proud of what I do.  And yes I feel that way regardless of whether you spend £2.50 or £250 with me.
 
…..and for that I thank you x