We interview
The owner of stitch kit company Cotton Clara tells us about how she started her business – and how she fits it around busy family life…
Chloe Hardisty
Many of us daydream of quitting the day job to make a living more creatively. While it can seem anyone with an internet connection can start a business, it takes hard work and imagination to make a success of it. Cotton Clara’s Chloe Hardisty did just that – we caught up with her to find out how.
Can you introduce yourself to readers?
CrossStitcher My husband and I live in a Victorian terrace in the centre of Loughborough. It’s great for popping into town but not so great for getting woken up by students in the early hours! I work from home and have my studio in the attic, and my workshop in the conservatory. I’ll need to get a [separate] studio soon as I’m taking over the house!
Can you tell us a bit about your career path so far?
I was always creative as a child, and went on to study Textiles at university… But it was much harder to start a creative business then so I started training in the field of sustainability, and I had jobs to do with that for the next 20 years.
How did the idea for Cotton Clara come about?
After having my children, I wanted to be around more for them and get more creative, so I started to think about ideas for a business.
I’d been doing needlepoint while I was pregnant, including designing baby blocks. I knew you could never sell them as they took too long to make, so I started thinking about kits. I started with an Etsy shop and the business has just evolved. I’ve moved into some homewares and accessories too.
A lot of people want to be more creative – what inspired you?
Although I had chosen to do what I was doing for work, I just realised it wasn’t what I loved or what I was
actually good at. I just had to do something else. My boys were starting school and I wanted to pick them up myself. So I had a big incentive to make something work. Now I’ve taken the leap I’ve realised I should have done this years ago.
What is it you enjoy about sewing in particular?
I just love textiles, anything that involves thread, wool or fabric. I think it’s because it’s so accessible, you really can teach yourself. I was always inspired by historic embroidery: samplers that we saw on visits to National Trust houses when we were little, and 1970s needlepoint books. I love how meditative it is and how it takes you away from screens (although I do like stitching in front of the TV!).
Which kit is flying off the (virtual) shelves at the moment?
My little rainbow board, I think because it appeals to adults and children, and it’s really simple. My favourite design is probably the little cross stitch heart hoop kit, because they are so colourful, simple to stitch, but really satisfying.
What’s a normal day like – juggling family and business?
I get up really early, to exercise and journal and start the day right, so by the time the boys wake up I’ve been up for hours! I take them to school, and then I start work. I try and do my creative tasks in the morning when I’m fresh, so designing new products, taking product photos or shots for Instagram. Then in the afternoon I’ll work on making and packing orders, making a dash to the post office before I pick the boys up. After they are in bed, I try and get a couple more hours in.
Do your children also like to do creative things?
The kids love making and creating, we have a huge craft corner and most days after school they come home and want to make something and draw or sew. They see me sewing all the time and just want to have a go. I’m always surprised at how much they can do!
What are the three pieces of advice you would give someone dreaming of following in your footsteps?
My biggest tip is just learn: read as much as you can about business, speak to as many people as you can and go to events!
My second tip is ‘say yes’. You just never know where an opportunity will lead you.
Lastly, design and create from the heart, don’t follow the crowd.
What are your hopes for Cotton Clara in 2019?
I want to grow the business and spread the word about my products. I’d also really like to employ a small team so that I can focus on the bits that I like – designing, creating and having ideas!
Now I’ve taken the leap I’ve realised I should have done this years ago