Papermilldirect Customer Spotlight: Cards by Louise

Posted on 6th February 2018 by Emily
Filed under Customer Spotlight

This week our customer spotlight is on Louise from Cards by Louise. She designs and makes gorgeous cards, family tree frames, plaques, and personalised gifts that her customers can keep forever! Check out below what Louise has to say – from why she does what she does to her tips for anyone wanting to set up their own business.

1. Can You Tell Us a Little Bit About Your Business?

I create ‘wow factor’ greeting cards to make any occasion special for people with ANY name! There are so many unique names out there now and it is almost impossible to find personalised cards featuring these names. I specialise in filling that gap in the market as I can create NAME-shaped cards for any name. My customers are from all around the world and many of them come back time and again with new challenges for me.

2. What Was Your Inspiration for Setting It Up?

I started crafting over 10 years ago as a hobby to focus on after major surgery. Luckily for me, the surgery didn’t go ahead but, by then, I was hooked on crafting. I attended many workshops, demos and craft shows and bought every craft magazine on the shelf! I loved learning new techniques using inks, stamps and dyes and I learnt a lot about colour coordination and placement.

Then I bought an electronic cutting machine and my crafting stepped up a level.

My hobby snowballed as I received more requests from friends and friends of friends to make special cards for them. It was at that point that I turned my hobby into a business. I have been trading for 5 years now and have never looked back!

3. What Is Your Favourite Thing to Make?

At the moment, my favourite things to make are my new range of Double Decker cards. I love being able to personalise them with the recipient’s favourite colour, hobbies/interests and a message.

4. What Are Your Biggest Challenges?

The biggest challenge for me is time. Having a day job and running a business can be a challenge but when I receive wonderful messages and reviews from my customers, I know it has all been worth it.

5. What Tip Would You Give to Someone Considering Setting Up Their Own Craft Business?

My top tips for setting up your own craft business are to find a niche that no-one else seems to be filling; develop an adaptable range that will suit your target market and give outstanding customer service.

6. What Is Your Favourite Product from Papermilldirect?

It’s so hard to pick just one! My favourite products from Papermilldirect are your plain white card, black card and your smooth white card as I use these for every NAME and NUMBER-shaped card I make.

7. How Has Papermilldirect Helped Your Business?

Papermilldirect’s reliable service means I know exactly when to order new stock when my levels of card are getting lower. I also enjoy reading the helpful articles on your blog and love trying new card colours on offer.

If you would like to see more of Louise’s crafts, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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