China Petals – Moving On

Can you tell us about the initial spark that led you to start your creative business? What inspired you to start creating mosaics? 

It all started one Christmas when my husband went into the attic to bring down the decorations. While he was up there, he found a box of broken, chipped and unwanted bits of china, mainly Royal Albert. ‘Do something with it or throw it away’ he said. It was no good to use but I couldn’t bear to throw it away because it was so pretty. I racked my brains, Googled the internet and mosaic was my answer, that was nearly 10 years ago. 

How did you first learn about Banks Mill Studios, and what motivated you to join our creative incubation centre? 

I first learned about Banks Mill from Sarah Perkins who I met at a Big House Workshop in Nottingham. It sounded like just the place I needed to move my creativity from the dining table to the next step. 

What were some of the most significant challenges you faced when you started your business, and how did you overcome them? 

In 2020 I decided to turn by obsession into a business and applied to Banks Mill for a dedicated studio to develop my creative practice. However, within 3 weeks of moving in the country went into lockdown.  This was a huge blow to the business but I was determined to carry on. Regular Teams meetings helped build the bond with other Banks Mill artists during this difficult time. 

Could you share a memorable moment during your time at Banks Mill that really stands out as a turning point in your creative journey? 

So many memorable moments and I have been very lucky. I was invited to join Theo Paphitis’s Small Business Sunday which lead onto Theo sponsoring a trade stand for my mosaic kits at NECs Spring Fair.  Being invited onto a craft TV shopping channel to demonstrate and sell my kits ‘live’ on more than one occasion.  I was also invited to work in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford to develop a collection of mosaic kits based on exhibits at the museum. 

I’ve had some fantastic commissions which were a joy to create. It is so nice to hear from clients years later that they are still enjoying my mosaics. 

Being a creative entrepreneur requires a unique set of skills. What did you do to support your professional development and business growth in those aspects? 

Having a creative mentor helped me massively in the beginning when setting up my creative practice.   

Collaboration and networking often play a crucial role in creative industries. Can you share any instances where collaborating with other artists or makers at Banks Mill and the University enhanced your work or opened up new opportunities? 

Open Studios comes to mind.  The feeling of being a collective of art and creative businesses really feels strong at that time of year.  I have met and made many friends whilst being at Banks Mill and I will miss everyone. 

Balancing artistic vision with commercial viability can be challenging. How did you manage to maintain your creative integrity while also building a successful business? 

Being a creative I found the balance between business and art difficult to manage. I did find that to build the China Petal mosaic kit brand I had to put my love of creating original artworks on hold which I found very hard to do. 

Were there any workshops, resources, or mentors at Banks Mill Studios or the University that particularly influenced your creative techniques or business strategies? 

Filomena Rodriguez was key in helping me develop my creative practice. She helped to keep me focused and grounded – I couldn’t have done this without her. 

Graduating from Banks Mill Studios is a significant achievement. Looking back, what advice would you give to aspiring artists and makers who are considering joining Banks Mill? 

Go for it. I never imagined when I collected the keys to my studio where the business would go. Having a dedicated space was integral to helping my creative practice develop and grow, and opened avenues that I would never have dreamt of in the beginning. 

Lastly, let us know what’s next for you as you move to pastures new!  

After 5 years and 4 studio moves within Banks Mill I have decided to retire and plan to move to the North Yorkshire Coast later in the year.  Mosaic and creativity will always be part of my life and maybe I will get around to making some art just for me!