Our journey so far
Anita's Craft Shop was founded by myself (Anita) back in November 2022. Prior to setting up a family business I was working in the care industry, where I happily worked for many years.
I suffer with multiple health conditions which sadly see me suffering daily in one way or another. I continued to work in the care industry the best I could, such as reducing my days and doing shorter shifts etc. One day at work I was assaulted, which sadly left me injured and in a bad way.
The decision was then made to not return back to employed work due to ill-health, but to take the jump into self-employment and start a new adventure that best worked for myself, my health, and something to build upon as a family. A business I wish to leave to the next generation of the family.
Never Looked Back
Since that day I have never looked back. Yes, I do miss working in the care industry, but I have been fully-focused on my health and our family business. Our business has been fully funded by ourselves, I do all the behind the scenes work myself, such as designs, advertising, book keeping, website design & development etc. to help keep the outgoings as low as possible.
We designed & built the website ourselves. I have attended many zoom meetings and training courses to help better my knowledge, and to get the best advice and support I can from the right people.
Life As A Business Owner
Being a business owner has required a lot of time, late nights and bucket loads of coffee. It required a lot of research prior to setting up, to ensure I was setting up correctly. Selecting the correct insurances needed for my business, as well as all the regulations which need to be adhered to to allow the business to operate.
Setting aside all the paperwork and behind the scenes work, I am absolutely loving life as a business owner. I get to work with my grandsons who I call my "mini bosses" Dylan, Zayden and Harvey.
We have attended some great networking events, been to many fun-days, craft fairs, and fundraisers where we have set up a stall and met lovely people. We have even attended a black-tie award ceremony.
Becoming A Multi Award-Winning Business
When I was putting the ideas together back in 2022 to take on the self-employment challenge, I won't lie, I was scared, didn't have a clue where to start, or what to do to make it happen. This is where researching and finding the right people to help helped me massively.
2023 was spent working on designs, our website and building a customers network. This will be a forever growing process. We now have returning customers, and also new customers via word of mouth, recommendations as well as internet searches, which is fantastic.
Awards
In 2024 we have seen our business reach:
The shortlist for "New Start-Up Business of The Year" with The Great British Business Awards
We were the winner of "Best Gift Shop in Cheshunt" with Quality Business Awards
I then went on to be the regional winner for "Businesswoman of the Year" with Business Awards UK
Being a Multi Award-Winning Business owner has been a roller-coaster of emotions. Some day's I wake up and doubt myself, thinking "what am I doing, I can't do this anymore" but then I remind myself of the achievements I have made so far, which gives me the focus to continue to improve.
Feedback
We have had loads of positive feedback /reviews, and have many loyal and returning customers. We appreciate every one of our customers. Without our customers we wouldn't be where we are with our business today.
A few customer reviews
We would like to say a massive thank you to all of our customers for your support. We appreciate every one of you.
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