Business spotlight - Maria Rose Crafts
Today's small business spotlight is with Sharon, from Maria Rose Crafts! I had the pleasure to chat to Sharon a while back at a craft meet-up in Dublin, and was only delighted to feature her here today. So without further ado, read on to find out all you need to know about her business.
What do you do? Where does the name Maria Rose come from?
First of all I'm a mom, then a crafter, up-cycler, and maker of pretty things! The name Maria Rose was chosen by my two girls, they picked parts of their full names and came up with it. It fitted perfectly as my business was set up to work around them and their busy schedules. So they had to have a say and be included from the start.
Why upcycling?
I love finding old vintage tea sets that have been abandoned over time and making something beautiful again out of them. I also make some kids accessories and house decor bursting with vivid colours.
One of Sharon's gorgeous baskets
What do you love about it?
The fact that I'm taking something destined for landfill or left in a cupboard at home never used - when I'm finished with it, its been put to use again and displayed.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I really love meeting new people and seeing how happy they are with my creations in their houses and gardens.
Another adorable wall hanging!
What’s your least favourite part?
Admin! (SAME!)
How do you come up with new ideas?
I love a challenge and hate waste. When something old is finished with I try come up with a new use for it. I take inspiration from my dad - he has a great imagination and loves to create.
How do you find your work-life balance? Is this something you struggle with?
Yes, constantly, but what working parent doesn't? It's just trying to find the balance, when the kids are off I don't do markets, I take some time out.
Is there any other part of business life you struggle with?
Like most people at the moment - inflation. The cost of everything I buy has increased significantly.
Any essentials to get you through the day?
Music and tea.
What is one thing you wish you knew before starting a business?
How much time it takes up for promoting, taking photos and paper work.
What’s one unexpected fact about you that people may not know?
I'm a qualified hairstylist and massage therapist in a previous life. I've also been in finance for many years. My business was never in the longterm plan - it started from making gifts for friends and family and grew completely organically!
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I'm super impressed by Sharon's ethos of up-cycling items into useable pieces, giving them a new life instead of simply throwing them away. Definitely something we all need to be doing a lot more of.
And the burst of colour on that pompom basket - it would look so great with a plant inside (and who doesn't need more plant pots??). Also, I think most of us in business can agree that admin is the absolute worst part of running things!
It was great to get this insight into Sharon's business - to check out more of her crafts, or pick up something lovely, head on over to Maria Rose Crafts on Instagram!