The story of how I accidentally started my small business, Clara and Macy, and how it is now becoming the Christmas shop of my dreams.
Hi there, I'm Laura, the girl who once made puppets for Hollywood animations, but now makes magical Christmas products alongside my four kids 🎄🎅🏻✨
How did I get here? Well, it’s quite the story!
Almost 14 years ago I started my business without really meaning to, thinking it might lead to a picture book deal, and back when we only had two children (we've got four now!).
The first day I launched with two paper doll cards, and burst into tears because I was so nervous about spending the money on stock… then magic happened and the business grew bigger than I could ever have imagined.
14 years later, after an absolute rollercoaster journey, I’m now dreaming of growing a slightly different version of my business. One that will bring me ALL the joy in the years to come.
Scroll down to find out more 🥰
Chapter One.
Let's go right back to the beginning, when I was a tiny girl who loved drawing, storytelling, and films. So, when it came to choosing a degree, there was only ever one option...
Animation!
I met my husband at university too (which was definitely the best part). Afterwards I became a puppet maker in animation, working on some brilliant shows like...
Postman Pat and Bob the Builder. I became an expert at making Jess the Cat!!
It honestly felt like a dream. Then we did something completely unexpected.
We packed out bags and spent 6 months travelling around Australia. It was the best decision ever! Looking back, it probably changed everything...
Chapter Two.
We came home to a whirlwind couple of years! We got married. Had our first baby. I worked on two craft books. Then our second baby arrived 10 weeks early after pre-eclampsia.
Then came a dream job...
Making puppets for Fantastic Mr Fox!
I thought this was where my story was heading, with a life of animation. But secretly another little dream was simmering in my brain...
I illustrated two sweet little girls, Clara and Macy, and thought it would be a lovely idea to turn them into products to help me pitch them to publishers as picture books. What a good ay to share their potential I thought.
So, nervously I put these products (paper dolls) online and somehow you all loved them SO MUCH more than I could have ever imagined.
Things very quickly got...
Chapter Three.
...BUSY!!
So, I carried on designing!
The paper dolls became a collection, then a range, and then somehow it turned into a business creating keepsakes and magical moments for families. That I had no idea how to run!!
And I definitely didn't plan on turning our dining room into a workshop with two toddlers crawling around under the tables while I packed orders!
It was brilliant and chaotic. And the business took off like I could never have imagined.
The whole family including my parents, siblings, husband, and kids became involved when the business quickly grew out of the house and into our first studio a couple of years later.
It was a HUGE leap and I was terrified to jump.
What if I failed?!
But if fact, everything exploded!
Orders doubled, I was working 18 hour days, Joules and Jamie Oliver announced their new baby with one of our products, and naturally, we thought you know what - this clearly isn't enough chaos...
Chapter Four.
Adding two more kids into the mix would be perfect!
So along came Martha, then Miles. What we didn't expect was for Miles to arrive 11 weeks early. Suddenly our lives became neonatal units and hospital visits.
It was one of the hardest years we've ever lived through.
But, we're stronger for it. And all the while this little business kept growing and growing. And I started finding my feet with the products I loved making...
And with more Christmas products, we kept growing. Out of our studio and into a new one (where we still are now) and our business year EVER!
And somehow since that accidental opening of my business, we've now sent out 135,000 orders, designed more than 500 products, been stocked in 300+ shops, and built an incredible team.
Even now none of it feels real! These days...
Chapter Five.
My biggest dream is growing this little business into an actual, always magical Christmas shop.
One that is so full of joy and wonder, where I get to spend my days in literal magic land!
Although I still haven't had time to finish the picture book! The whole reason why I started!!
Maybe the book just took a little detour, because it started something SO much bigger and more brilliant.
Maybe it's actually destined to become...
Chapter Six.
...A Christmas book!!
I still pinch myself that this is my life.
What a happy accident!
Thank you so much for supporting me and being part of the magic.
14 years down, a lifetime ahead…
If you’re new here, hello and welcome, I hope you stay and become part of the magic ♥️✨🎄
SAVE this story of Clara and Macy blog post for when you have a cup of tea and a 10 minute break to read the full Clara and Macy story.
PIN the above image to your Pinterest boards for an easy reminder of how small businesses start and grow.
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🎄 For Christmas inspiration and more about how I'm building my dream Christmas shop visit my Christmas Department.
✂️ For brilliant craft ideas for toddlers and children head to our Reuse & Recycle page.
✂️ Or have a browse of our Pinterest boards for even more Christmas and craft ideas.
