Meetourmakers

Scotfield Alpaca, where luxury meets sustainability on a family farm in Berkshire. They make 100% natural alpaca knitwear, made with hypo-allergenic yarn. No dyes, no blends: 100% alpaca. Thoughtfully crafted from the fleece of our cherished Huacaya and Suri herd. From snoods, gloves and scarves to pashminas and blankets, they have something for everyone.  Who or what inspires you and your products? The alpacas themselves. They grow the most beautiful fleeces, which deserve to be enjoyed by our loyal customers.   How did you start your business? We started with a small herd and as the family grew, as well as our love for them, we didn’t want to waste the fleeces. Lots of research, time and effort went into designing and testing the products. It was important to keep the product 100% alpaca, so even those with sensitive skin can wear them.   How did you choose the name of your business? After the name of the family farm, Scotlands Farm. What do you enjoy most about the creative process? Seems odd but probably the packaging. We take a lot of care into making sure our products are packaged correctly so the customers can keep their knitwear protected throughout the warmer months. When you see the finished product, knowing how much went into making it makes all the care and effort worth it.   What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a small business owner? We have a very niche product, so getting our name out there has become a real struggle. We are now using social media a lot more, not only to promote our products but to also keep everyone updated with our alpacas.   What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why? Our snoods. I think the reason that they are so popular is the simplicity of them. They are soft, versatile and not too bulky so you can feel comfortable while keeping warm.   What does a typical working day look like? Emily spends the day tending to the alpacas, Lisa will be in the knitting room either getting the knitting started or finishing already knitted products, Mary is packaging orders and Abbie is doing all things admin!   What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business? Find something that doesn’t make you feel like you are working. We all love coming to work and making beautiful products for our customers. Doing something you love and genuinely care about makes your day go much quicker.   Shop Scotfield Alpaca at the Country Living Christmas Market this November for a thoughtful gift or a treat for yourself!

Coach House Partners design and create gifting products for all those awkward dads, grandads and uncles for anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas. Featuring vehicles like the Spitfire, Land Rover, Flying Scotsman, Grand Prix racing cars and hobbies like fishing, football and horseracing on construction sets, jigsaw puzzles, books, notebooks and many other gifts.  Who or what inspires you and your products? It really is a labour of love – everything we design and create is something we have a keen interest in and something we would want to buy or receive as a gift.  How did you start your business? With passion – that’s all you need!  How did you choose the name of your business? Our office is based in an old coaching house.  What do you enjoy most about the creative process? Coming up with an idea and hearing customers say that’s great!  What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a small business owner? Selling into large retailers, who are not usually interested in small creative businesses.  What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why? The Spitfire metal construction set, such an iconic vehicle, was our first and is as popular now as it was in its first year.  What does a typical working day look like? We start at 7.00 and finish at 7.00. We are a small business, so design, create, sell, raise invoices, list products, accounts, empty the bin and make tea.  What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business? Focus on what you are good at, Don’t rush, Don’t compromise on quality, Find good suppliers, Find good customers.  Shop Coach House Partners at the Country Living Christmas Market this November for a thoughtful gift.

Christin Ranger Jewellery designs and creates beautiful high–quality sterling–silver and gold vermeil jewellery featuring natural gemstones at a fantastic price.  Everything is packaged in one of our branded gift boxes.  Who or what inspires you and your products? Our clients inspire us. It is all about creating beautiful jewellery that they are happy to purchase for themselves and their loved ones. We only use sterling silver, gold and natural gemstones and that is a pleasure in itself.  When did you start your business? We started in the jewellery business in Seville, Spain, in 2000 and moved it to the UK in 2009.  How did you start your business? Steve left the City in 1998 and relocated to Seville to open up a ladies accessories shop, I moved there from Seattle as a freelance illustrator. We met, started creating our own designs and here we are.  How did you choose the name of your business? My name…it just rolls off the tongue. (Joking)  What do you enjoy most about the creative process? When you create something that really works and people want to wear it. This doesn’t always happen the first time.   What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a small business owner? Finding your niche and competing with the big boys. We are a website-based business and keeping up with technology is always a challenge.  What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why? The Love in a Nutshell acorn pendant is our star. It was a great concept and proved a favourite with our customers for keepsake gifts. Now we are known for our beautiful gemstone collections.  What does a typical working day look like? It always starts with coffee. Steve and I get our day-to-day stuff done first and then start working out ideas for new designs or, more often than not, how we communicate with our clients. We have a large mailing list and that takes time to manage.  What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business? Keep in mind that it is a business, and you need to know who your customers are, what they want/need and at what price. It isn’t personal. Shop Christin Ranger Jewellery at the Country Living Christmas Market this November for a thoughtful gift, or to treat yourself!

Made in Bath, Cotton & Grey was founded by Paul and Claire in 2021, creating beeswax candle gift sets. What are your core products and what inspired them? We put together a small box of beeswax candles and handwritten affirmation cards for a close friend who was struggling in lockdown, to help her relax and restore her wellbeing… and she loved them! This was the start of our core product: 12 x Twenty Minute Candles with a ceramic holder for relaxation, meditation, mindfulness and wellbeing. How did you choose the name of your business? We love the colours of cotton and grey together and thought it had a ring to it. Also, if the candles didn’t take off, we could use it for other ideas! Where do you make your products? At home, in Bath and at the kitchen table What does a typical day look like? Following a shock awakening with a cat on my head, tea first, then urgent emails. Shower and pack orders! Shop these thoughtful gifts at the Country Living Christmas Market and meet Cotton & Grey at the Country Living Christmas Market.