This month I want to introduce you to Georgia from Squiggles & Dot. Georgia creates unique and personalised handcrafted products for your home, children and weddings. With a flair for vintage and shabby chic she can make almost anything our heart desires!
You an visit Squiggles & Dot here
Q: Hi Georgia, so tell me a bit more about Squiggles & Dot.
A: Hi Anna! Thanks for having me!!! I started my business around the time we got married (2019). I had been crafting to cope with my pain condition and creating lots of lovely things for our wedding – friends & family said I ought to try selling my creations so I did! It really took off during lockdown.
Q: Squiggles and Dot is such a unique name, where did it come from?
A: The name Squiggles & Dot. Came out of my doodling! Since I can remember I was one of those people who doodled all the time, on the phone during lessons, at university etc. My doodles seemed to always have a theme of squiggles and dots so it just seemed right to use it as my business name!
Q: What plans do your have for 2021?
A: Plans for 2021… oh what crafter doesn’t have an endless to do list! I have so many plans and project ideas. More recently I have rebranded my children’s range as “Little Squiggs” so I am hoping to really concentrate on that.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
A: My advice for anyone starting out is persistence! It all feels very slow and impossible right at the beginning but I found that I blinked and have been busy with orders and an increased following. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitiveness of social media – so try not to compare yourself to other businesses. There’s enough custom out there for us all! I have met some truly amazing people through the small business community on Instagram which has been so wonderful – I really recommend connecting with other people! Don’t lose sight of what you want your business to be about, I craft first and foremost as a pain therapy and have been lucky enough to channel it as a little business. But I try to keep it manageable for me at the same time. It’s been a huge learning curve with lots of different hats but I’ve loved every step of the way.
Q: Do you ever get discouraged, and if so, what do you do get back on track?
A: Oh yes – I often have little wobblies where I think “what am I doing? Who wants to buy my items?” Especially when sales and orders can vary from month to month. But then I remind myself I don’t need to do an order to be creative. I go back to the studio and make something new and usually find that that precipitates new orders! Sometimes you just have to get a bit lost in creativity.
Getting to know you!
1. What is your favourite way to relax?
My favourite way to relax is either crafting (surprise surprise) or just resting with my cat Katsu! She’s often featured on my instagram as she’s my little shadow. I tend to need quite a lot of rest with my pain condition and find that she likes to curl up with me!!! Nothing like unconditional cat cuddles!! Of course I love spending time with my husband, family and friends!
2. Best moment?
Best moment – oooh got to be getting married! It was such a wonderful start to the next chapter. But every day brings new exciting adventures and I love that.
3.Guilty pleasure?
Guilty pleasure oh well there are a few… I love watching crime programmes under a blanket with some chocolate!!! I also love pottering around antique markets looking for items to upcycle. I love old things that have a story that you can add to!
4. If you could travel in time where would you go?
If I could travel in time I think I would have to make a few stops, I love how fashion and trends change over eras. From the Victorians to the 60s! I love it all!!!
Georgia you’re a superstar. Thanks for sharing a it about you and your small business!!
And thanks to everyone for joining us! I’ll be back next month with another small business.