Inviting Memories creates bespoke design products that capture and create memories such as personalised advent calendars and customised photo books.

Owner Kerry Gamson began designing products in January 2018 after creating wedding invitations and stationery for friends and family. Since then, her love for design has flourished into an online business whose ethos is to encourage and inspire positivity.

 

The Challenge:

Kerry knew that she was in her element when designing her products and loved the creativity process of her work, from selecting the colours to choosing materials. She had always dreamed of one day owning her own business doing what she loved, but needed some guidance to help get her business ideas off the ground.

 

The Solution:

Kerry met with TDA Business advisor, Kim Thornton who provided advice and guidance on the key principles of business start-up, including marketing strategy design, identifying her target audience, creating a business plan and essential business administration such as registering her business with HMRC. This support was delivered under the fully funded ERDF Enterprise Coaching project.

On the advice and support offered by the TDA, Kerry said:  “Kim has supported me from the beginning. Recommending different workshops, giving honest feedback and valuable advice along the way. She has been very supportive, welcoming my baby to our meetings and encouraging the ‘can do’ attitude. She has given me the confidence and knowledge I needed to make the best start possible.”

Kim Thornton, Business Advisor at TDA said: “Since first meeting Kerry 18 months ago I have seen her confidence in her business grow. The quality of her product is outstanding. Since recently launching she has already secured commissions internationally and I am delighted to work with her on her business journey.”

 

Results:

Since the launch of her business, Kerry has set up an Etsy shop to showcase her range of products to an international audience.

Kerry said: “Within a month of launching my business, I have been named a top vendor at a Christmas market, set up a collaboration with an important charity, sold products internationally and been asked to design commissions. I’m now actually living my dream, and not doing badly at all!”

 

Future:

As Inviting Memories continues to expand, Kerry proceeds to diversify her product range which includes birthday stationery including invites, cards, bunting, party hats and calendars.

She will also introduce wedding stationery including invites, save the dates, thank you cards and on the day stationery which will be launched as soon as the wedding industry gets back on track.

 

TDA has supported Inviting Memories through the early stages of business start-up through one to one sessions and workshops. This is enabled by the European Regional Development Fund Enterprise Coaching Project, which provides fully funded business support to start-up businesses in Torbay.

 

To find out more about Inviting Memories you can visit: www.facebook.com/invitingmemories

Shop with Inviting Memories on Etsy.