Small Business Blog Series - Original Wood Creations

This new year I’m excited to bring you a short showcase of some fabuolous businesses. Through Isabella and Us. I am lucky enough to collaborate with, showcase and share amazing small independent businesses, which is just amazing and shopping small is something I am incredibly passionate about.

So over the next few weeks I’ll be bringing you a short showcase of some fabuolous independent businesses!

First is Original Wood Creations by Sophie Hurst.

Tell me a little bit about your business...: 

Original Wood Creations is a Derbyshire based, family run business specialising in homemade wooden plaques, shelving and decor. Our products are handmade out of reclaimed timber using high quality tools and software.

Tell us more about yourself - What did you do before your business, your interests/hobbies and any fun facts: 

I have always wanted to do something to do with my creative background; I just couldn’t find my ‘speciality’. Having completed my Advanced Diploma in Art & Design, I was on the search for the thing that I felt that I was good at. I experimented with a variety of different areas and then began to create images with text. Typography was something that clicked straight away. After trying different materials, my partner suggested trying something with wood, to create decor. In total, it took 6 years to find something I truly enjoyed.

What inspired you to start your business?

 It took the birth of our baby, Theo, to get started. Due to circumstances, I wasn’t at work whilst pregnant, which meant I had a bit of time on my hands. I spent a lot of time decorating his nursery and getting it perfect in time for his arrival. When I was trying to find some pieces for his wall, there was nothing that really stood out to me. So we thought, why don’t we create our own?

How do you keep a good work/life balance with running your own business?: As Theo is only 7 months old, a lot of time and attention is on him. I spent pretty much 85% of my day looking after him. But also, I like to spend my evenings with my partner, Jay. Sometimes it can be very tough to make sure the balance is just right. Luckily, Theo is well behaved so whilst he is playing (or watching Octonauts), I try to do some work. I like to dedicate as much time as I possibly can on the business, even if it’s while Theo is on my lap!

What top 3 tips would you give to someone starting their own business?

 1. Don’t push yourself too hard. 
Realistically, you’re not going to get a lot of sales overnight. It takes hard work and time. There’s no point fretting about your first sale or how much money you’ll make. All you have to do is believe that you can do it and try your best and everything shall follow.

2. Don’t give up.
Like I said, it takes time. A lot of time and energy before a sale is even made. But at the point where you feel like giving up is normally the time that you will get your first sale.

3. Be unique.
Offer something new and different. In order to stand out in a big crowd, offering something different definitely gives you an advantage. Even your personality can be the reason someone purchases something from you. Just be you and that is more than enough.

What is one thing you wished you had known before you started your own business?

I wish I had known how challenging it can actually be. There’s so much you have to take into consideration before the designing even starts like admin, paperwork, online software, social media etc. It’s so worth it though, it means I can spend more time with my little boy as he grows older.

You can see more of Original Wood Creations over at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

I hope you enjoyed reading the small business showcase from Original Wood Creations.

Emma x

If you’d like to take part in the Small Business Showcase please head to the website here.