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Becky and her mum Wendy, run I Do Handmade. They help host lovingly curated pop-up markets in high footfall locations across the UK, to not only transform the way we shop, but to showcase a nation of talented creatives, makers and artists helping them get the attention they deserve. Going self-employed wasn’t an easy decision though, find out more about their journey of running their own business.
Making The Leap To Self-Employed
I did it. I finally took the plunge in July 2019, turning away from the 9-5 corporate world, the only ‘proper’ salary earning world I knew and put my all into running my own little company, I Do Handmade, full-time.
The entrepreneurial bug caught me early in life. I’ve always had some kind of side hustle on the go. I loved running my own shop, restaurant, or hotel as a child. I discovered eBay in my teens, and enjoyed buying things in bulk and selling them on. Then in my early 20s I set up my own mobile spray tan business as I hated having spray tans in salons, and needing to get dressed afterwards to go home! I’ve always been curious about helping solve problems through business ideas.
After graduating from university in 2008, I bumbled my way into the PR and Communication world, which was where I spent the majority of my working time. It was my wedding in 2013, which became the catalyst for my business.
Using our creative talents, me and my mum Wendy, pretty much made/built/baked/sewed/crafted everything but the dress. After the big day, I received requests asking if I could create personalised decor for their wedding. And so, mum and I began putting our crafty skills to work. We’re told we’re a talented duo, being sewers, florists, painters, calligraphers, bakers, it seemed quite fitting to use our gifts to do something we loved.
We began decorating more events, squeezing it into our busy lives, both with full-time jobs. It was more of a hobby than a business as we loved helping decorate people’s weddings.
Fast forward to 2019 and redundancy from my corporate role changed everything. Little did I know, it was the best thing that could have happened. I could either find another well paid corporate role or use this opportunity to grow I Do Handmade, this little business I had established.
Admittedly, I really struggled to make the decision, I knew I would need to expand our services and launch new products to make it financially viable. It seemed scary and daunting. I worried that there was no space for my little business, that other companies offered far better services, why would anyone want to buy from me, what if it doesn’t work, where do I start?
So much of me wanted to give up before I had even tried. But I knew deep down most of my worries were fear based rather than fact based. So, I unsubscribed from all job email alerts and just started. I made a list of things I needed to do and just begun with one thing, taking one step at a time.
The business has transitioned majorly over the years. We went from setting up weddings to teaching others how to make their own décor and get creative, to offering a range of crafty kits to make at home (hello covid!), to now hosting pop-up markets to help other handmade artists, makers and creatives grow their businesses. We’ve had markets in commercial and corporate, high-footfall locations including Westfield Stratford, Lakeside shopping centre, TikTok, Sky and ITV head offices, and even under the clock at Waterloo station. The difference these opportunities are making for small businesses has been nothing short of astounding. We’re super excited for the year ahead as we’re setting up a Small Biz Village at The Ideal Home Show in Scotland in May 2024 and The Christmas Ideal Home Show in London in November 2024.
It’s so encouraging looking back acknowledging what we’ve achieved. I still ask myself those negative questions, I’m always constantly comparing our business to other companies, but I have made it this far and we’re doing well and really helping other businesses grow!
I’m not going to lie and paint the perfect picture of booming profit tables. This first few years of being self-employed was tough. When you added up stock, marketing and website costs, our hourly wage was questionable. BUT the foundation was laid to grow this business to the next level. I’m excited I’m finally doing a job that is using my talents to help others, something that is so fulfilling no office job could ever offer me.
Top tips for anyone interested in wanting to go self-employed
1 – Just do something. I wasted time waiting for things to be ready. Turns out I don’t think anything’s ever 100% ready. Just do one task and amend afterwards. Whether it’s setting up a website, creating an Instagram account, purchasing a domain. Make one step and the next step will become easier.
2 – Surround yourself with people smarter than you. This journey has been made much easier with the help of business coaches, juicy podcasts, and inspiring authors helping to pave the way.
3 – Don’t be put off by businesses doing really well on social media, most people are winging it. They’ve just been winging it for a bit longer so are better wingers! We are only bombarded with their highlights, we don’t know their story, the trials or tears they’ve had to get to where they are.
4 – Things take time. No matter how many ‘make your business wonderful’ podcasts I listen to, overnight success is not a viable business strategy! Good things take a loooong time. Keep going, be patient and don’t give up!
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If you’re interested in finding out more about Becky and Wendy’s business and the way they help support small business owners head on over to www.idohandmade.co.uk
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Imagery
Headshots of Becky and Wendy – here
Photos of pop-ups – here
I Do Handmade logo – here
Issued by I Do Handmade by Becky – [email protected]
