Alford woman who runs Crafty Little Swan business on a mission to spread positivity and prove age is just a number
A passionate business woman who aspires to spread positivity, is hoping to encourage more people to pursue their hobbies, regardless of their age.
Sharon Swannack, who is the owner of stationery and home decor business Crafty Little Swan, decided to keep herself occupied during lockdown by making pom poms.
After her hobby came to fruition through positive engagement on social media platform, Instagram, Sharon soon became overloaded with orders, she said: “I started making personalised wreaths and pom pom home decor and I was getting really nice comments on my Instagram home account.
“It then became very popular but I was getting pain in my hands and wrists from all of the orders I was making, so I decided to start creating new products such as self love and personalised gifts which I often made for my family anyway – and that’s how Crafty Little Swan started.”
As the business started evolving, Sharon decided to take the plunge and sign up for her first ever Lincolnshire Makers Market event in Spalding.
Some of the products she showcases at these events and on her website include self love stickers, notepads, personalised cold cups, pouches, mugs and much more.
She said: “I love attending the craft fairs because I love interacting with everyone. Even if no one buys anything but I see that my products have put a smile on their face or made them laugh – it makes me really happy.
“I make all of my products to put a smile on my customers faces – as long as I’m making other people happy that’s all that matters.
“Every market I have done has been absolutely amazing, I’m so happy I took the plunge and applied to them all.
“I didn’t start the business until late into my 30s and early 40s. I always thought people wouldn’t be interested in it because of my age but my friends and family made me realise that if I’m enjoying it and I feel passionate enough, there is no reason not to do it.
“I would hate for someone else my age to not start a business because they are scared of being classed as ‘too old’ or worried to step out of their comfort zone. It’s not too late to do it and you have plenty of time to rediscover your interests.”
Alongside the Alford-based independent business, Sharon also works part time at a pottery studio and explained how she is always taking inspiration from her day to day life: “I get inspiration from other people’s pottery designs, funny slogans from adverts and I am also a massive fan of Disney, so I am always brainstorming ideas from that.
“I always take my iPad everywhere with me so I can sketch down rough ideas – my brain never switches off when it comes to the business.
“I’ve struggled with my mental health like a lot of people and when I’m drawing, it helps me concentrate and helps my mind not wander onto anything else.
“It makes me feel really good and I just want my products to remind people that they are amazing and loved – all I want to do is spread positivity and I want my brand to get to the stage where if people see a colourful pouch from across a distance, they know it’s mine.
“I love everything about it and I defiantly wouldn’t be doing it if there was no drive there.
“I also love packing people’s orders – other businesses really hate it but I like making it look nice and I always pack them how I would want to receive them – The only downfall of having my own business is that everything I make, I want to keep!”
If you would like to see all of the products of the Crafty Little Swan, visit her shop on Etsy or the Crafty Little Swan on Facebook.
