Well I never thought I would be writing this, but last month I was interviewed by the lovely Hugh McNeill, who hosts the podcast 'Made With These Hands'. It was a great experience and one that I genuinely enjoyed far more than I thought I would! As someone who isn't particularly confident when being recorded, a few years ago this would have been my worst nightmare, but I put on my big girl pants and decided to give it a go.
Click on the image above to listen to Hugh's "Made With These Hands" podcast.
The opportunity came about when I met Hugh at the Spring Market in Leamington Spa. He visited my stand, and after I handed him a postcard with a short biography on the back, he asked if I would be interested in being interviewed. The rest, as they say, is history.
Left: One of Kate's university sketchbook pages showing the corset design development. Right: Kate's final handmade corset, featuring printed image of the Virgin Mary and Child, embellished with goldwork embroidery.
Kate's display at New Designers, featuring the embroidered handmade corset.
We chatted about graduating from Birmingham City University and exhibiting at New Designers, my first job as a pattern cutter in a lingerie company, and designing goldwork embroidery kits for Toye, Kenning and Spencer. The fact that Hugh was so lovely and understanding made it feel like chatting to a friend. And as a glass engraver and fellow creative, a friend that understands the trials and tribulations of running a handmade business.
The beginner Christmas decoration goldwork embroidery kits I designed for Toye, Kenning and Spencer.
The advanced goldwork embroidery kits I designed for Toye, Kenning and Spencer.
I career highlight! The photo I was sent via Instagram when my products were spotted in Fortnum and Mason.
We also talked about how important it is to 'find your tribe'. It really helps to have a group of like minded individuals who will help build you up whenever imposter syndrome kicks in. This is also the perfect platform to share the poster by Hurfer Hand Painted I talked about. "The price is based on my talent not your budget" should be the mantra of all handmade business owners and something I have to remind myself of daily.
The Hurfer Hand Painted posted I talked about on the podcast.
Anyway, thank you for reading and if you fancy having a listen just click on this link and enjoy my brummy accent!
