Branding & Expanding.

Branding & Expanding!

Hello,

Wow it has been one manic year, and it's not over yet!
I've been slowly embarking on my career change over the past two years.
I started with studying interior design at The National Design Academy. Then went on to paint and print my very own small fabric collection, which I'm so proud of! And I was even more chuffed when +Country Living magazine said my fabrics were good enough to have on their general store!

Now I have to say I got a bit dizzy, and when demands came in from people wanting to use my brand and started asking when the new collection would be out, and could I design some like this and that... I completely lost my mojo for the whole thing.
Fret not, I am going somewhere with this!

I paint from the heart, my paintings happen when they happen, and I never know what my brush is going to create.

I've taken a few months off for reflection on my work, and have baked a lot of cake lol,
and here's where I'm at... I'm keeping my brand personal and close to my heart.
I'm not painting to order to churn out mass produced fabrics.
My collection is unique and intimate, and when it grows, it will be slowly and organically.
It is only available through my stores and Country Living.

My next big decision was to finally pick a name for my company.
My fabrics fall under my name of Emma Connolly, but I really wanted a brand name in which to hold everything I do under, and eventually I'd like to open a shop near my village.

And my company name is...... (drum roll)..... 'Purple Pheasant'.
I love that it is country and quirky, plus unique!

I'm expanding my online store to now sell handmade soft furnishings from other textile designers that I admire, and I'm really excited about this!
I'm also working on putting together some workshops next year which I will host at my home 'The Haven' (if I'm still shopless), I'm going to be holding lampshade making, chalk painted furniture classes. And, how to make your drawings into a seamless pattern repeat using my favourite software program that is free to download, so you can then get your fabric digitally printed!

Phew, never a dull moment.

I wish you all well my dear friends, and continue to thank you all for your encouragement.

Emma x