Chloe of Sown and Wild
Have you always been a maker. If not how did you get here?
I grew up around flowers, my Mum had her own florist and this was my Saturday job as a teen. After having kids, and during lockdown I found we had time to learn, and gardening was our favourite topic. Creating things has always been my happy place, and working as a Midwife in the NHS has even more enhanced my need for a creative output. And so Sown & Wild was born.
I am a part time maker, part time Midwife, and full time Mum to 3 children and 2 dogs.
What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day at Sown & Wild starts with the kids and dogs, getting everyone sorted and set up for the day so I can have time for creativity. I work entirely from my home in Wales, this is a choice I made so that I can be present day to day in our family home, plus I find it relaxing being there which helps my creativity and enjoyment in my work. My inspiration comes from nature, from the four seasons and colors which reflect this.
My latest, and currently my favourite product is Salmon. A dried flower handtied bouquet with peachy tones at its center. Peach is my go to colour, and so I really enjoyed creating this. It reminds me of Spring, and the beginning of warmer, brighter days.
What ‘s your favourite part of the making process? My most favourite part of making is actually creating, which can sometimes take a back seat with all the other things to do on my list. As fellow small businesses can relate, there is a lot which goes on behind the scenes, so when the time comes to just creating something I absolutely love it!
Visibility is one of biggest challenges to independent makers, as its hard to compete with larger companies in terms of being seen and matching prices. It is almost impossible but equally consistency, and planning helps to ensure you are heard, seen and recognised. So this is my way to trying overcome this.
What have you got from being a part of the Crafty Fox community? I am a very new member of the Crafty Fox Community but I can feel the benefits already, it is so much more than a selling platform. It is support, it is a community, its a place to learn new things, and most importantly it is a chance to be heard and seen.
What do you have planned for the next year? I am so excited for 2024, I have just launched our latest collection - Bright Blossoms. A collection of vibrant, fun and energetic dried flower arrangements, to bring that pop of colour to your homes. I also have some amazing workshops planned and in the making, all centered around the four seasons - such as our Spring Wellness Workshop taking place this March 17th.
See more of Chloe’s work at www.sownandwild.co.uk
