Hi Beverley, can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to set up your business?
Where to begin? I was a prison officer for 15 years which is where I met my husband, Jonathan. After five years of trying for a family and two cycles of IVF, I finally got pregnant with our son who is now nearly four years old. When I was pregnant, I started sewing things for the nursery and shared a photo of some cushions I’d made on Facebook. Friends commented how lovely they were and asked me to make some for their children. Sew Canny was born.
After giving birth to Harrison in 2012 I suffered from Post Natal Depression and had to extend my maternity leave as I couldn’t face returning to work. I threw myself into my sewing, making things for friends and family which I found really helpful. Unfortunately my employers didn’t like the fact that I was “working” whilst on sick leave so I was subjected to disciplinary procedures and nearly lost my job. I found the whole incident very stressful and I couldn’t face sewing as it was a constant reminder so I took up crochet as I needed to have a creative outlet.
Shortly after I returned to work, the Prison was taken over by a private firm and voluntary redundancies were offered. I jumped at the chance and walked out of the gates for the final time in April 2014. I gradually started sewing again and found I still loved it so decided to relaunch Sew Canny and try and make a business out of my passion.
I’d always dreamed of having my own shop and a year after leaving my job, a tiny shop came up for rent in Widdrington Station where we live. I decided to go for it and went about sourcing fabric and haberdashery suppliers. We opened in August 2015.
What tips would you give other women who are thinking about setting up their own business?
Don’t underestimate the time you will need to spend working – if you’re doing it as a way to spend more time with your family during the day, be prepared to work most evenings. It’s hard work but worth it. Join a local networking group, the support is amazing and it’s a great way to share ideas and get inspiration.
Your shop is brimming with gorgeous, colourful fabrics and we love your branding – what are the benefits of the internet for your business?
Although I’m a big fan of being able to see and feel fabric in person, as a business in rural Northumberland, I need to sell online as well but try to make the online buying process as personal as possible; all the orders are beautifully wrapped and I always add a personal thank you note and a little free gift of a badge, some buttons or a scrap of lace.
Social media is hugely important for the business; there’s a great crafting community on Instagram in particular and I feel privileged to be part of it. It’s a great way to engage with customers and keep an eye on current trends.
What are your future plans for Sew Canny?
Since losing my husband suddenly in December 2015, my priorities have changed yet again. I’m concentrating on looking after my son and figuring out a way to make the shop work around him. Just before Jonathan died, I was getting ready to launch a new venture selling sewing patterns and kits designed by me and my business partner Mia Malone from Designs by Mimi; we’ve got lots of ideas which we still want to develop. We are both passionate about dressmaking and want to simplify the whole process making it easy for a complete beginner to be able to make their own clothes without the need for complicated patterns and instructions.
I’d also love to start support groups for people suffering with depression and anxiety as I’m a great believer in using craft as a form of therapy. I want the shop to be more than just another craft shop, it’s important to have friendly little shops in village communities and I want the shop to become a hub for local residents. The kettle’s always on and I love welcoming new people and finding out what they love making.
Photographs by Rachel of RJM Photography.
Name of interviewee: Beverley Moffitt
Business name: Sew Canny
Website: www.sewcanny.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sewcanny
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sewcanny
Business type: Fabric, haberdashery, gifts & workshops.
Location: Widdrington Station, Northumberland