This summer has been an absolute whirlwind, and that’s probably an understatement! After the first three days of filming for the BBC’s “Make it at Market” (from Saturday to Monday), I got married on the Wednesday. Yep, you read that right, juggling TV appearances and planning a wedding all in one week! The stress was real, but somehow, I made it through.
For those who aren’t familiar, “Make it at Market” is a show where Dom Chinea from The Repair Shop teams up with a group of business and craft experts to help budding entrepreneurs turn their crafting hobbies into thriving businesses.
Honestly, this entire experience has been life-changing, not just for my business but for my confidence too. People often assume I’m brimming with confidence, but that’s not entirely true. I’ve always lived by the motto, “Fake it till you make it,” constantly battling imposter syndrome every time I post on social media or launch a new collection. I know I’m not alone in this feeling, many small business owners, freelancers, and creatives go through the same thing.
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone has always been a priority for me. Those moments of discomfort are where the real growth happens. They’re the moments where you learn who you really are, gain control over your passions, and build the confidence to face fears and uncover hidden strengths. And let me tell you, the feeling of accomplishing something you never thought possible is unbeatable. This whole experience has been exactly that for me.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be on TV, let alone on a major broadcaster like the BBC. If I could go back in time and tell my 16-year-old self, who felt like the dumbest kid in class because of her dyslexia, I would say, “Don’t worry, your time to shine will come. Your passion for arts and crafts will take you places you never imagined.” To anyone who’s ever felt like this, I want you to know: always stay true to yourself. Be passionate about your hobbies, your art, your craft whatever it is that makes your heart sing.
People who aren’t creative or who haven’t faced learning difficulties may never understand your journey, but that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. I see you, I hear you. Be open about your ideas, your feelings, and your dreams. Don’t shy away from sharing your passions with the people you trust — whether that’s friends, family, or your creative community. They’ll be your biggest cheerleaders. And if they don’t get it, that’s okay it’s your journey, not theirs. You’ll find your way with or without them.
I’m incredibly lucky that my family has always supported me. They knew school wasn’t my thing, and they understood that art was my first love. Thank you, Mum and Dad, for always having my back!
A massive thank you to the casting team at @myflabbergast for seeing my potential and giving me this life-changing experience. You have no idea how much this has meant to me.
This whole experience has not only helped me grow as a person but also made me reflect on my business where it’s headed and how much I’ve achieved since I started. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you’re constantly in the hustle. But this was all me, from day one, starting in my parents’ small box room after university. The long hours, the money spent (and probably lost) trying to figure things out, working part-time to fund my dream of running a sustainable textiles studio… and you know what? I am doing it! Of course, that’s imposter syndrome trying to convince me otherwise.
But this experience has shown me that I’m capable. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you have an incredible team behind you, supporting you, holding you accountable, setting goals, giving you honest feedback, and mentoring you along the way. And let’s not forget the pressure of having a tight deadline, especially when you’re already having a crazy summer, planning a DIY wedding, working part-time at the university, and freelancing on a project that was already in motion before I was cast.
All I can say is that I’m so proud of myself. Now I’m thinking, “Bring it on… What’s next?”
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