Bespoke Chick

What’s your business called?

Bespoke Chick

Can you describe it in one sentence?

Providing artist creations for individual needs!

When did you start it and what inspired you?

25th April 2015, I think I started because of my daughter. After I had her I became part time (I’m an Art teacher of 15 years) to spend more time with her growing up. I was so used to being busy at work during the day that when she had naps I think I became restless. So I started ‘tinkering’ to fill the time. By using Facebook I saw people were interested and thought I had something to offer. When I put together my page I realised I was a bit of a magpie within the Arts, so I couldn’t really pin my business name to one specialism or theme. I had already provided a wide range of bespoke items for people. So ‘Bespoke Chick’ was born.

How did you fund your start up?

I didn’t! I used the power that is Facebook and existing materials, like paper and pens I already had.

How do you manage working around your children?

I only ever work when my little girl is asleep or in the evenings, when she is in bed.

Can you describe a typical day?

I only have one day off in the week, the rest of the time I am teaching. So time is a precious commodity! I have a husband and two step children, one of which lives with us full time. So, I run the household like a military operation! I also never take on more commissions from Bespoke Chick than I think I can handle. I plan my day off around activities spent with my daughter and have the artwork or graphics I need to complete ready for when she naps. I maximise evening times from 7pm by working on Bespoke Chick commissions, but I never work more than 3 hours in the evening and give myself at least 2 evenings off per week.

What have you found hardest?

Saying no to clients! I am a naturally creative person, so saying ‘no I cant take on your commission as I am fully booked for X amount of weeks’, is like torture!

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

Being independent, creating something of beauty, being proud of the finished piece and making someone smile!

What are your plans for the future?

I aim to have Bespoke Chick so successful in the next 2 years that I can afford to become even more part time in teaching. The hope is one day, give up all together and be a full time business owner!

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

GO FOR IT! Business and ‘ideas’ will always throw up challenges and obstacles. Being successful is all about seeing those obstacles as opportunities and just throwing yourself in anyway!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I’ve never really thought of my artistic ability as something special, it has always been ‘just something I can do’. Since starting Bespoke Chick and seeing how much joy my work can and has brought to others, it has made me really proud to say I am an artist and I’m pretty good at it too!

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