Small Business Spotlight 2: Laura Holden Studio Laura Holden Studio has the perfect cushions You always have very unique and comfy deand creatures to give you the company and sign ideas, how do you come up with them? cosy vibes you need at home. Thank you! I think I draw inspiration from my childhood, a lot of the books we read were What inspired you to start selling your work? passed on from the 60s & 70s and I love the My background is in Fine Art textiles, I spent colours and shapes used in vintage illustrations. some years exhibiting and applying for funding Both my grandmothers made my brother and I then moved into prop and exhibition design and textile toys that my kids play with now. There education. The story of my current business can be such a feeling of love and humanity really began after my second daughter was born communicated in hand made textiles and I try to and we moved to Frome in Somerset. I was very put some of that into my work. I enjoy folklore busy with two small children but I needed to be and the animals I choose to make often have a making in some way to stay anchored. I began symbolism to them that has struck a chord with making cushions and animals using fabric lefto- me. When choosing materials I like to think ver from old projects of a hand-cranked sewing about what will feel comforting to hold and wear machine so I could sew in the same room while out nicely! my daughter was asleep and not wake her. I began selling at the Frome Independent, an What is your favourite product you have incredible market that takes over Frome town made so far? the first Sunday of every month attracting visi- I love the Swan cushions for their swoops and tors from all over the country. It was my first time curves and the golden pears for the way they selling in that way and I loved it. I really enjoy feel when you cuddle them. hearing people’s stories about who they will give a piece to or why they are drawn to it.
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