Becci of Ellbie Co.
Have you always been a maker. If not how did you get here? I first started my business in 2015 before this I had worked a mixture of different jobs including bar work, waitressing, admin and being an english teacher in South Korea. I have always loved making things though and it has always been a dream of mine to help other people learn how to make things too!
It is wonderful being able to balance working on Ellbie Co. which is something I am so passionate about whilst also showing my daughter what it means to follow your dreams and getting to be there for all her little moments. I am excited for her to be able to help me to pack up kits one day though (hehe!)
What does a typical day look like? Typically my days are spent with the morning being dedicated to caring for my daughter - normally we play together and have breakfast and then head out the door to a toddler class or swimming and then after lunch I give her to her dad and I step into my rainbow filled home studio space so that I can settle into some focused work time on Ellbie Co. and pack up orders and do social media etc. By the time it's 7pm I do bedtime routine and then will settle in for the evening normally working a bit on the sofa (normally stitching or designing new patterns) whilst my husband and I watch some telly together.
Favourite product? I love our stitch a selfie kits - they are just so special and a great way to capture special memories and turn them into a life long keepsake. I've had customers use them for wedding photos, to memorialise pets or family members who have passed away, turn ultrasound images into cross stitch patterns and even just use them for silly photos that they want to keep forever!
What are the biggest challenges you face as an independent maker? Cost of living - everything has gone up, materials, marketing costs everything. Which is really challenging at the moment. It is hard being a small business at the moment with the increasing costs.
It can also be a bit challenging juggling childcare with running my small business on the days when my daughter is ill or I have to do something where I need to concentrate a lot (like my accounts eugh) those days are a lot to handle!
What’s your favourite part of making? Designing - I love designing new patterns and then seeing the project reveal itself once I've stitched up a test piece. It is really satisfying (if all goes to plan!)
What have you got from being a part of the Crafty Fox community? I haven't been a member for long. But my favourite memory by far has to be mentoring a fellow small business owner in 2022. I loved our Zoom chats and it was really exciting seeing another small biz enthusiast thrive!
See more of Becci’s work at www.ellbie.co
