Back in 2022 I decided to start a personal project.
As I looked around, I could see *so* many beautiful businesses here in Kent that were owned and run by local Mums, and I really wanted to celebrate that.
I decided to dedicate a blog post each month to one of those amazing Mums…
To introduce them to you…
To highlight the incredible things, they were achieving…
…and more importantly, to show *them* what a fantastic job they were doing.
And, my goodness, 2 years on, it still brings me soooooooo much joy.
...and I am therefore *very* excited to introduce you to my first Kent Mum in Business of 2024. This is the lovely Lucy Fisher, the proud owner of Sew Loves Lucy, a Maidstone-based business specialising in beautiful handmade, personalised nursery and homeware gifts. I recently spent a lovely morning with Lucy, I got to see her in action creating some of her beautiful pieces and we chatted about her wonderful business.
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, my grandparents were tailors and my mum a very talented seamstress, so I guess it runs in the family!
I learned to sew on my great grandmothers old Singer and I thought it was magical and I haven’t stopped since.
After my daughter was born I was thrown into a world of nursery decorating and new baby gifts. A friend knew I could sew and asked if I could make a personalised gift for a Christening… then came first Christmas gifts and it grew from there!
I opened my Etsy shop 5 years ago and primarily sell personalised fabric stars, moons and clouds to celebrate Christenings, new baby gifts and presents for new big sisters and brothers.
Each star can be personalised with baby name, date and weight or Christening date and they are perfect little keepsakes of these special occasions.
I love pastel colours so I tend to use beautiful shades of pale blue, dusky pink and grey which I feel will look gorgeous hanging in any nursery!
Its such a joy to send personalised gifts for that extra special occasion.
I love the thought that new babies receive one of my stars as their very first gift and it’s something the parents will treasure.
It’s such a privilege to make personalised gifts for those very special occasions and each one is made with love and care.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
I needed to think of a name quickly as I had started selling a few items in the museum shop (where I worked at the time). Quite simply, my name is Lucy and I love to sew!
I wanted my name to appear as everything is handmade by me – and each item is made with love and attention to detail- so the name stuck.
I keep meaning to have a rebrand but in 5 years it’s not happened yet!
What do you offer to your clients that no one else does?
Every item is handmade, cut, sewn and personalised by me, so you an really customise your own gifts.
I regularly receive request for different fabric colours, personalised wording and I love talking through ideas with customers.
This is a service unique to small business owners and I think it’s so important when you are trying to find that one of a kind gift for a special occasion.
I remember someone asked for a personalised Christmas decoration for her two beloved dogs and they were so much fun to make! I hadn’t made a dog bone decoration before so it took a bit of research, but she was thrilled with them!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Mostly from family and friends and also my daughter requesting things!
My business started with a request and it continues to grow in this way, which I absolutely love.
Once I have made something for a friend (and I know they like it!) I tend too try it in my Etsy shop too.
My most popular items are Christening and new baby stars, however, I have also made Easter bags and bunnies, first Christmas decorations and teacher gifts which all started as gifts for friends.
My daughter lost her first tooth recently and she asked for a tooth fairy pillow (I obviously had to make a glittery star) and now she is very proud to see her design in my shop!
I am hoping to introduce a birthday range next year for birthday badges, crowns and cake toppers as these are all things I have made for family and friends, so hopefully these will make it to the shop soon!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Gosh, there are so many, but my favourite is definitely receiving a lovely review, it’s true that you do a little happy dance!
To hear my gifts are something a family will treasure is a little bit magical.
It’s lovely having repeat customers too, and many families who originally bought a new baby gift are now buying a big sibling star as they have a new arrival on the way.
It’s such a privilege to make these and to hear it’s becoming a bit of a tradition for some families is really heart-warming (and a little bit mind blowing!).
I find the process of making really calming, especially as life can get very busy with two children running around. Having time to dedicate to the process of cutting, sewing and hand stitching buttons and labels definitely helps keep me sane.
It’s great to connect with other small business mums too and it’s surprising how many talented Mum-friends I know!
Its something that is underestimated, the time and dedication it takes to run a home, job and a small business and having that connection and support of other mums in this small business world is something I am very grateful for.
It's also so satisfying when an order is finished and wrapped safely in it’s box for postage.
I’m quite sentimental and my daughter and I usually say a little goodbye to the parcels as we pop them in the letterbox.
I do wonder about the recipient on their christening day, or the family receiving a new baby gift, and I hope there are lots of smiling faces when they open it!
If you are looking for personalised textile homeware accessories or nursery decor for yourself or as a gift for someone close to you; please visit Lucy's Etsy shop here and give her a follow on social media:
Claire xx