I began my business in April of 2020 when I felt that I needed do something that was just for me after having my son, it started by posting some bracelets I’d made on Instagram and it kind of took on a life of it’s own.
2) What has been the biggest challenge in building your business?
Juggling being a single parent, a full time student and Shop Gwynfor at once has been a huge challenge, at times it felt like one wrong move and I’d drop the ball on one of them but now that uni is over I can look back at that time and know that it’s exactly what I needed at the time. One of the reasons for this is that the research I did for my dissertation was reflected back into the way I viewed the shop and developed my following & products.
3) What has inspired you to hand make all your pieces?
I’ve always loved collecting vintage beads so when I had the urge to start making again it felt natural to go down that route. Hand making things just gives everything more of a personal touch and I love knowing that every time I see someone wearing one of my pieces I made it myself. There’s a really cool feeling knowing that the things you’re wearing are unique and handmade, I wanted to pass that feeling on to each one of my customers.
4) How would you describe your brand’s style?
Punchy, kitschy, tacky – in the best way!
Gwynfor is all about opulence, more is always more and I want to facilitate that by creating a brand that is all about high quality, kidcore-esque jewellery!
5) How do you want your pieces to make people feel?
I hope my pieces make people feel playful & beautiful & bold!
6) What is the best piece of advice you have for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs right now?
Just do it! There will never be a “right time”, if you worry too much or get caught up in worrying about the things that could go wrong you’ll never get anything done! You’’ll face challenges but that’s a part of the journey.
7) What role models have inspired you throughout this journey?
Watching all of the other female led small businesses succeed around me has been a huge inspiration to me, the way that they are always uplifting and supporting one another is amazing. The community that I am a part of both online and off is the best inspiration I could have asked for.
8) Do you drink tea? What part does tea play in your day (i.e. what is your tea ritual)?
I’ve always been a fan of fruity teas, they’re what I drink through all nighters, deadlines & downtime! I make myself a brew every time I have a long day of orders in front of me (peach & raspberry is my all time fave- always hot). I feel like the process of starting the day with a tea is while I write up my to do lists is a great way of preparing for whatever the day has. Being a single parent to a toddler means that no two days are ever the same, so keeping this ritual is one way of maintaining some form of normality and self care throughout the day.
