Etsy UK shop Eve Leefe Designs is home to beautiful accessories that have been designed to bring 'warmth, colour and happiness' into our everyday lives. Founded by Tunbridge Wells-based print designer Eve Leefe-Griffiths in lockdown last year, you'll find an array of scatter cushions, reusable bags and eye-catching prints.
During COVID I lost my job and also began having chronic pain issues that would leave me in bed for multiple days. Knowing that I couldn't have a 'normal' 9-5 job due to my health, I decided to finally take the plunge and start Eve Leefe Designs.
I had always wanted to create my own brand but never had the confidence or time to pursue the idea. However, being in lockdown and losing my job gave me the final push I needed. The ethos behind Eve Leefe Designs is colour and happiness. I wanted to start a business filled with products that bring warmth, colour and happiness into people's everyday lives.
It is so busy! I started Eve Leefe Designs just before Christmas in 2020, so last year's festive rush definitely taught me a lot about how to prepare for this year. I actually started preparing drawings and ideas in August for this year's Christmas collection. I make most of the products myself, so making sure I have enough fabric ordered, cut out and ready to be made was essential.
This year, I also made sure that I had all of my stock ready to be assembled by October. I know that sounds early, but I have been busy every weekend from mid October to December at markets, so being able to have stock in my office waiting to be grabbed and sewn is a must.
Christmas is definitely my favourite holiday. To me, it means watching Christmas films with my family and decorating the tree whilst listening to carols. The Christmas tree is a necessity in my eyes for a festive household. However my family and I always seem to have different opinions on how to dress it. Being obsessed with colour, I always think the more decorations the better, however my sister likes a classic gold and silver style. Our tree will always look different every year depending on whose choice is the winner!
Supporting small businesses is so important, especially this year. The best way to support my business is to come to our Christmas markets! I am selling at the Pantiles Market in Tunbridge Wells and Greenwich Market in London (exact dates are shown on my Instagram). The amount of work that goes into a weekend market is immense and it is so lovely to meet customers in real life.
The great thing about weekend markets is that there are so many independent makers in one place. So if you come down to support one small business, you will actually find so many amazing unique sellers. Plus, you can get all the Christmas shopping done in one go. But if you can't make it to a market then another way to support is through my Etsy or Instagram. Every sale is honestly so appreciated and every follow or share is, too.
This year has gone so quickly and Eve Leefe Designs has grown so much already. Last year I was only selling cards, prints and the odd tea towel, but now I offer handmade cushions, cosmetic bags, scrunchies, and so much more.
My next step is definitely to get my products into more shops. I already have a selection of products in the amazing Pop Brixton with Make Shift Create, as well as the best shop in Deptford - Deptford Does Art. I have also taken part in a pop-up in John Lewis' Oxford Street store, which was such an amazing experience. I would love to sell my collections in more high street shops as well. I'm also looking into branching out more into homewares, so watch this space.
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