BIZ KIDS Meet the locals who braved launching exciting new businesses during lockdown

THEY GOT LOCKED DOWN, BUT THEY GOT UP AGAIN

Meet the locals who braved launching exciting new businesses during – and because of – lockdown

By Lisa Evans

Yes, lockdown was tough for most of us, but rather than looking back, we want to focus on what’s inspiring and special in our ‘new normal’ world.

What we’ve found amazing is how so many incredibly varied, creative new businesses arose during – and, in some cases, because of – lockdown. From a free-flowing champagne brunch club, to a letterbox gift company, a number of exciting ideas have been brought to life with a lot of hard work and commitment – despite the unfortunate circumstances. We spoke to the people behind some of these creative new ideas.

The Peninsula Club’s foodie bashes look epic

Even more deliciousness…

HEAVY HAND BAKES The baking biz was started by Amy Davies, from Riverside. “I’m obsessed with anything cookie!” says Amy, who has 12 years’ experience in the hospitality and catering industry and has now started supplying all of the Kin + Ilk sites across Cardiff. “I’m not a natural baker so I began practicing in lockdown, experimenting with lots of different cookies – not knowing this would be a business one day.” FOOD & DRINK ThePeninsula Club Luxury events in Cardiff – think bottomless Laurent-Perrier brunches – are the name of the game at this club, run by Abbie Ryan and Elinor Martinez.

Elinor and I started the company two months ago... We met in theCaribbeanover a decade ago while working on-board a P&O cruise ship. Little did we realise that our brief encounter would become the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Our careers have taken us all over the world, yet we have remained the best of friends andha ve continued to enjoy our joint passion for having a bloody good time – more often than not with a glass of champagne in hand.

It’s always 5pm somewhere in the world, and so The Peninsula Club was born… It’s a lifestylebrand which hosts luxury events – such as LaurentPerrier brunches, rosé receptions, exclusive networking events, and pop-up events featuring live music, free-flowing alcohol and exquisite food – currently running between The Old Custom House and Le Monde in Cardiff. The events are soon to be in other venues too, and there are future plans for a members’ club. www.thepeninsulaclub.co.uk Bells & Roses ‘A little bit of happiness through the post’ is how Daniella Scotton describes her letterbox gifts business which she runs from her home in Grangetown.

It started by wanting to send care packages to my loved ones during lockdown… andthat’s where my ‘hug in a mug’ boxes idea came from. People couldn’t see or hug one another so I thought why not send a hug in a mug in the post with tea, coffee and hot chocolate boxes – feat cookies, chocolates and more. In total I’ve sold just over 2,500 boxes which includes corporate orders for Duedil, Costello Medical andmor e.

This has been such a positive to come out of lockdown... Before lockdown I was always on the go with my two girls[Bella and Rosie – you can see where she got the business name] and I spent so much time out with them. Lockdown made me slow down, reflectandgave me the pushandconfidence to try something new. www.bellsandr oses.co.uk

www.instagram.com/ heavyhandbakes PIERHEAD HAMPERS Penarth-based Sue Lee set up a to-your-door hamper service featuring Welsh foodie favourites – from bara brith to Welshcakes, many of them from local suppliers – and is expanding her range to include non-edibles and personalised gifts. www.pierheadhampers.com JOLLOF HOUSE PARTY Roath-based musician Tumi Williams’ Afro Cluster/ Skunkadelic gigs were all cancelled due to Covid, so he started a new business, a celebration of Nigerian Street Food. The vegan menu features tasty treats such as three-bean jollof rice and plantain fritters. www.instagram.com/jollof_ house_party TY MELIN BAKERY Angharad Conway – who used to work for Rick Stein – and her partner Lance Gardner – who was taught by master baker Richard Bertinet in Bath – say the bakery was a long time in the making.

“The demand for homedelivered baked goods took us by surprise over lockdown as we outgrew our little production unit in Adamsdown within three weeks,” says Angharad, who lives in Cardiff Bay.

“We’re relocating our production to a bigger unit on the outskirts of Usk, and our online shop opens every Saturday at 9am for delivery the following Friday. We have also been delivering our unique and most popular product – croissant bombs – nationwide.” www.tymelinbakery.com

“Lockdown had a positive impact on me; all you need is a good idea and courage”

ARTS Sera Wyn After aspiring for a decade to launch her own business, artist Sera Wyn, based in Ely, tells us why lockdown happened to be the ideal springboard for her.

What I do is often described as cameraless photography.… I specialise in old photographic processes, such as cyanotypes and lumen prints. I work with rare photographic papers and chemicals to create prints featuring Welsh plants and already-dead insects and animals, allowing the natural materials to leave their outlines when exposed to the sun.

I launched my business after trying for ten years… I was amazed at the support I received during lockdown, with initiatives like the artist support pledge on Instagram, and galleries and businesses actively seeking to support artists online.

I had the time and space to be able to think creatively again… Which in turn helped me put myself back out inthe public eye. Lockdown encouraged many people to support creatives and that has really given me a boost. www.serawyn.co.uk

left: Sera Wyn’s unusual cameraless photography; above: Peggy Sue’s Cardiff landmarks painting

Even more arty amazements…

PEGGY SUE PAINTS Penylan’s Sarah-Jane Outten began to paint the things she was missing during lockdown: the ocean, nature and buildings. “I shared my work on social media and people wanted to buy it,” she says. “I now have an online store; my Cardiff landmarks painting has been the most popular so far.” www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ Peggysuepaints SAID WITH NOTES Lea White’s stationery business designs everything from wedding invitations and cake toppers to personalised gift boxes and greeting cards. “Being made redundant definitely gave me the courage and push to focus on Said with Notes,” says Lea, who’s based in Newport. “I have now registered as a sole trader, taken part in Business Wales webinars and I’m now on my way to writing a business plan.” www.saidwithnotes.co.uk ELLIE WILLIAMS DESIGN “I started my at-home freelance graphic design business at a time when no one in the country was allowed to leave their house, so it worked quite well for me,” Says Cardiff School of Art and Design student Ellie Williams. “I carry out work such as branding, logo design, typography, stationery design, as well as social media templates and wall décor.” www.elliewilliamsdesign.com ONE LOVE PRINTS This LGBT-themed business, run by Emily Powell, initially started out making prints for people going through fertility treatment. “This naturally flowed into other LGBT and Pride-inspired prints,” says Emily, who makes the digitally created prints at her home in Cardiff. “As a gay woman, I want to empower others whatever their background or experience. Our art is a reflection of our experiences and we love the idea of connecting with others to create a community of strong women.” www.linktr.ee/oneloveprints

CREATIVES Louise Jennifer Millinery Louise, from Llandaff, creates luxury handmade hats and headwear for women who love to stand out.

I took redundancy from BBC Wales at the beginning of 2020… The plan was to start my business – hand-making standout hats for weddings, races and special occasions – this year. Once Covid hit I just became drained of positivity. All events you’d wear a hat to were cancelled. But after a few weeks in lockdown I found myself designing as a way to escape.

It was a very uncertain time for businesses, but I thought why not launch? I had nothing to lose, my studio is at home, and, if nothing else, I got to build up my samples ready for next year. So, from that point, it all came together pretty organically.

Lockdown hindered the business financially, but my gut told me to just keep hatting... Looking at it positively, to have the time to focus has been wonderful and has helped the business. It’s expanding already into a bridalwear range, and I offer a remake service where clients can come to me with special garments or fabrics that they would like transformed into headwear. www.louisejennifer.co.uk Oli&Pip Becoming a mum led Julie Pearce, who works at her home in North Cardiff, to launch a business featuring everything baby.

I had become quite frustrated trying to design my son’s nursery and playroom… I had to search across so many websites, buying one piece hereandanother there; so I decided during lockdown that this was the ideal time to teach myself how to build the website that I wished had been around when Oli was born.

With absolutely zero experience in building a website, it wasn’t without its challenges… but with the help of the shopify platform as a basis,andYouTube tutorials on repeat, I surprised myself with what a couple of months work could achieve actually. I now source products from all over the world, sampling, then importing goods.

The business is what I hoped it would be… We offer everything from nursery and room decoration to teething andw eaning accessories. It’ s been a strange few months, having a tiny baby in lockdown, spending maternity indoors, and no mum-and-baby classes, but having a real focus has bee n a bit of a sanctuary really, a distraction from all of the uncertainty going on around us . www.oliandpip.com

Hatters gonna hat: Louise Jennifer Millinery’s designs certainly stand out

Even more creative loveliness…

RICHKINS WOODCRAFT With 25 years’ experience as a chef, Martyn Watkins set up the woodwork business alongside his wife Debbie. “We make bespoke handmade items, such as serving and chopping boards, and we supply five-star hotels, top-end restaurants as well as making handmade gifts,” says Martyn, whose shop you’ll find at The Boneyard in Canton. www.richkinswoodcraft.com BABY TURBAN CO The accessories brand, based in Pontyclun and run by Francesca Griffin, creates headwear for baby and mum. “We created turbans in lockdown as a high-fashion accessory for the Instagram mummas to twin with their minis,” says Francesca, whose business was featured in Vogue three months after she set it up. “I’ve sewn 800 turbans by hand.” www.babyturbanco.com FRYER’S WORKSHOP Guy Fryer, from Fairwater, is by trade a theatre technician and carpenter. Theatre was the only world he knew since graduating from RADA in 2008. “I had to think about how to use my skills for another purpose, which is why the idea of a workshop came to me. I craft custom objects – for example, building and repurposing home and garden furniture.” www.fryersworkshop.uk BLOOMFIELD HANDMADE FOR DOGS Michela Bloomfield loosely set up her pooch-themed business years ago as a hobby alongside her main business Plum Cleaning, in Penarth. Sadly, over lockdown, she had to close Plum and make her staff redundant. The silver lining was that she was able to get stuck into Bloomfield like never before.

“I make and sew dog collars, leads, beds and other accessories,” she says. “I revamped my online shop, improved my marketing, attended a lot of webinars to learn more about social media, and I started to sell more online than I ever have done.” www.Etsy.com/uk/shop/ Bloomfieldhandmade

FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE MadeMaeDesigns Llantrisant-based maker Elly Snow paused her love of creating after having her second child, but then lockdown freed some space for her to reignite her passion.

I make artificial flower wreaths… They are mainly used for front doors but could decorate internal doors or walls, and they are all handmade in my living room.

Through lockdown, I noticed on my walks lots of people were painting their front doors and making their houses look nice… I saw a lot of rainbow-type decorations, so I thought I could take out my old stash of flowers and make a rainbow wreath celebrating the NHS. Then a few of my friends were asking about it and wanted one, so I decided to start up my old Instagram and Etsy account. It’s just me making them in the evenings and when my girls nap in the day, so it’s more of a hobby, but as I’m a stay-at-home mum it’s been quite a nice way to make a little bit of money. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/mademae

this image: You grow, girl. Mason Blooms’ dried flower bouquets are bloomin’ marvellous; right: Elly Snow rose to the occasion when setting up MadeMae

Even more floral beauties…

THE LITTLE GREEN CORNER Penarth-based Bethan Woods started her business when she struggled to buy flowers during lockdown. “I realised quickly that there was a market for plants that didn’t have a hefty delivery charge and could be safely delivered to people’s doors during an uncertain time,” she says. “Everyone was taking more interest in their homes and gardens and I’m not surprised seeing as we were confined to them. I took this opportunity to create this little business in which I sell plants, flowers and bespoke pieces.” www.instagram.com/the. littlegreencorner MASON BLOOMS Canton’s Tanya Mason-Hawes has begun to create dried flower bouquets and domes. “I felt like I had more head space and time to get this up and running, and more importantly, I was inspired!” she says. “Life slowing down really helped, and gave me the focus to do something I love.” www.masonblooms.com

HEALTH AND BEAUTY The Gallus Beard Co. Don’t hate him because he’s beardyful. Douglas Knight founded his Canton-based beard business after making his own blends for himself for years.

I had been making beard products for personal use anyway… All of the concoctions were natural and organic, and then I started adding essential oils.

I then started selling them… Having been furloughed from my main job during lockdown, I suddenly found the time to focus on the beard range. I make everything from beard oils to wash, butters, and balms at home. See page 72 for more. www.gallusbeard.com

Even more health and beauty experts…

CHANGE COACHING SOLUTIONS Louise Bricknell, from Heath, had been planning to launch her lifecoaching business, and she didn’t let the pandemic stop her.

“I just needed to ‘pivot’,” she says. “I held my sessions via Zoom; some clients prefer it as they don’t need to travel. Covid prompted people to reflect on the way they live, and guiding them has been so fulfilling.” www.changecoachingsolutions. co.uk

LYNCHPIN Although she founded her Dinas Powys-based business in 2015, lockdown led Tanya Lynch to flip her focus from marketing consultancy to start-up coaching. “People are losing their jobs and are ready to take the leap into self employment,” she says. “Lockdown has had a positive impact on me and I want to show others that they can succeed, all they need is a good idea and courage.” www.lynchpin.wales CATHERINE DEMAID Cowbridge-based Catherine turned her attention from business coaching to divorce coaching due to a spike in breakups over lockdown. “I already had divorce coaching

left: Don’t accept resting itch face, try some soothing Gallus Beard blends; above: Actress Emily Tucker’s online training subscription is a HIIT

clients, having gone through the experience myself, and that was coupled with being a professional coach for 20 years,” she says. “During Covid, the demand for separation coaching increased; clients were desperate for emotional support.” www.instagram.com/ catherinedemaid_divorcecoach xxxxxxx CROWLEY AESTHETICS Husband and wife duo Damian and Sophie Crowley set up an at-home health and wellbeing business in Pontprennau. “I am a nurse practitioner with an interest in dermatology, and Sophie is a sports therapist,” says Damian, “so we wanted to start a clinic offering treatments such as full body massages and facials.” www.crowleyaesthetics.co.uk THE EV TRIBE Cardiff-based Pobol Y Cwm actress Emily Tucker set up The EV Tribe, an online training subscription, during lockdown in the hope of helping people during a difficult time. “At first the sessions were free,” says Emily. “It’s now turned into a business thanks to my clients’ support. The tribe subscribers get five instructor-led HIIT and resistance sessions a week; the page is a catalogue of workouts and it’s like having a PT in your pocket. There are also weekly challenges and live Q&A sessions.” www.ev-training.co.uk

JEWELLERY DuxfordStudios Jewellery designer Esme Rogers-Evanshand-makes her creations – inspired by the human form – from her home studio in Llandaff.

Winning a start-up award during lockdown was what pushed me to officially launch my brand… I then decided to officially become a sole trader. I’m now in contact with some online platforms like BYW, which is based in Cardiff, so that I can network with other business owners, creatives and customers to build awarenessof my brand.

I’m inspired by the human form… The debut collection, Memento Mori, is inspired by the Latin theory of the reflection

left and right: Esme creates heirlooms inspired by the human form at Duxford Studios

Even more pretty things...

ALICAT JEWELLERY Alicat was set up during lockdown after owner Alexandra Joseph – known to her friends as Ali – tentatively tested the market last Christmas. Based just outside Cowbridge, the brand focuses on timeless jewellery for 21st century eclectic living, with Ali sourcing vintage and extraordinary pieces – often referred to as regal, estate jewellery – from all over the world. “I can sell jewellery for you, can source pieces for you or can get pieces designed and made especially for you or your loved ones,” she says. www.alicatjewellery.co.uk KELZO JEWELLERY “Our LGBT family-run business creates quirky, unusual jewellery,” says Kelly Allen, who founded the Cathays-based business alongside her Wife Zoey. “The process of creating patterns and shapes and using our hands is really relaxing, and when other people showed interest in our pieces, we decided to push it. We sell a Pride collection alongside our seasonal and rebellious products, and 20 per cent of Pride collection profit goes to an LGBTQ charity.” www.ourtransitionallife.com/shop

© ALEX LLOYD JENKINS

top: Alicat Jewellery’s founder is a real gem; right: Mourning Assembly’s secondHAND creations

on mortality: “Remember, everything must die”. I’ve always been interested in the idea that death is a real leveller – it makes us all equal. And for me, it’s the fire in my belly that makes me create. The collection focuses on elements of all of us – bones, teeth, hands – without which we wouldn’t live as we do. www .duxfordstudios.com

Mourning Assembly Lockdown afforded PaisleyRandell Shillabeer, whose studio is based in the Capitol Centre, the time to craft jewellery which transforms used, broken and abandoned items into glorious designs.

My personal art practice revolves around objects and our relationship with them… I use pre-loved, found objects, the ‘second hand’ and retail rejects to make new work. I’m concerned with waste, consumption and fast fashion; my work makes use of the used and re-homes the abandoned. All the pieces are unique and I often do custom work. Recently, for

Even MORE lockdownborn businesses…

VEST & ARMOUR Freelance costume designer Lindsay Bonaccorsi, based in Whitchurch, designs and prints T-shirts for children as an accessible alternative to fancy dress costumes. www.instagram.com/ vestandarmour HAUS Haus looks after landlord portfolios and helps clients start their own portfolios. “We combined the skills of interior designer Jak Bjornstrom and my background in property management to create the company,” says co-founder Chris J. Birch. “Lockdown had a huge impact and for a while, we thought this company may die in its infancy, but we’ve now opened our first dedicated office on North Road, and our second is about to open in Cowbridge.” www.thebirken.haus AILSA CLARE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY Cardiff-based Ailsa Clare underwent a career change this year – from retail to photography. She now provides a specialist service that offers clients creative product photography and styling for independent brands, designers and makers. www.ailsaclare.co.uk SECRET CINEMA SOUTH WALES Lockdown meant cinemas example, I made a bracelet out of a coin gifted to a lady by her father, which had her date of birth on it.

Also, during lockdown, I’ve co-founded the local art collective ‘Umbrella’… We are an artistled group who are socially engaged and community focused. Find us in the Capitol Centre where we hope to hold many exhibitions, workshops and talks and engage the community. www.etsy.com/people/ paisleyrandell

closing, so this new business started offering the full cinema experience at home – featuring top-of-the-range projectors, 100-inch screens and slick sound systems in your living room, for nightly and weekend hire. “It’s perfect for birthday celebrations or just a weekend hanging out with friends and family,” says owner Matt Roberts who’s based in Caerphilly. www.instagram.com/ secretcinemasouthwales