Welcome to our new column called “Small Business of the Month”. Join us on a journey as we discover the finest businesses in the cross-stitch world and beyond. Each month, a deserving small business will be featured to introduce them to you and share what they have to offer.
This month I had a chance to talk to Charly Derham-Ball, the owner and creator of Charly Feathers.
Charly tell us how did you first start.
Ch: "At the time I was a stay-at-home mama to my 2 girls, I started to gelli print cards with acrylic paint and make marks with my own foam stamps and stencils from household recycling waste. I then used these prints to make greeting cards to sell in my local small shop. I then started to make bookmarks and doodling on them with posca pens. It just developed over time".
Tell me more about Charly Feathers. What inspired you to start your own brand?
Ch: "I was inspired by lovely Marie from Stitches and Diamonds and her tutorial on how to make floss drops from decorative papers. I had an idea to translate what I had learned into using my gelli prints and doodles to make unique OOAK floss drop sets. I approached Marie and she was happy for me to explore this idea and sell them, thank you to Marie for always supporting the community and other small businesses, I am eternally grateful".
How did you choose your business name?
Ch: "I’ve always been called Charly and I’ve always loved birds and bird watching. I’ve tried other business names in the past but this one always stuck. People are normally surprised to hear that Charly Feathers is not my actual name!"
What’s the secret to your creative process and what do you enjoy most about it?
Ch: "My secret is spending as much time in nature as I can and living a slow and gentle life, my other secret is being a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) – I notice and feel so many things around me. Nature is my constant source of inspiration".
How would you describe your style? Which of your designs best showcases your style? What led you to design in this style?
What’s your favourite make and why? What are you most proud of?
Ch: "My favourite make is probably my floss drop set I created this summer just past called ‘The trees grow tall in the heart of the forest’ – the words are from a treasured song I sing with my girls and I drew my favourite things – whimsical girls and woodland animals".
Ch: "I’m most proud of being featured in Cross Stitcher with Love Poppet in her column, and also being asked to vend at retreats. I’m always amazed that people ask me for commissions and to attend events to sell my creations".
What do you hope people get from your art?
Ch: "I hope they receive a warm embrace from my work, a reminder to keep going through lifes ups and downs, to embrace change and love oneself. Just pure joy".
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Ch: "To have more confidence, don’t be afraid to push boundaries and on the days I don’t feel like creating they are often the days I achieve come of my best work. Just because I don’t like something I’ve created it, other people often do – everyone’s tastes are different – hooray!"
What fun things can we expect from you in the future?
Ch: "I have a new product in the pipeline – I’m in the process of working out how I'm going to achieve it and trusting that I can! Hopefully, more collaborations and commissions, attend more events and build my own website!"
Thank you very much, Charly for taking the time to share your story with us.
You can find Charly on YouTube and Instagram. Also, don't forget to visit Charly's shop Charly Feather
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If you know a small business that deserves recognition, don't hesitate to reach out! Let's shine a spotlight on their hard work and dedication.