Scrapbook Challenge – Crafting a Successful New Business

"Having fun, and making something that you can keep, cherish and remember your treasured memories with." This, according to Mandy Donald, co-founder of Kintore based scrapbook and card making retail shop and photography studio, J&A Keepsakes, is why so many people are attracted to the hobby of scrapbooking. For many years craftwork has been a passion of the Blackburn woman, but her business' inception came as recently as October 2006.

"For many years I worked at my parents' filling station in Blackburn, it was during this time that I took part in a number of art and craft courses. These included flower arranging, ceramics, lace making and many more. I also found the time to teach myself a number of needlework techniques including knitting, tapestry and crochet. Taking part in so many courses, I developed a desire to put my creative skills into practice, and engaged in my first solo venture with the opening of a flower shop next door to the filling station.

"After several years of involvement with the flower shop and some time at the filling station, I discussed the possibility of opening J&A Keepsakes with my now business partner, Jim Hatter. We decided that there was a gap in the market for a scrap booking service in the north east and felt that by combining my craft skills with his experience and expertise as a freelance press photographer, we could provide a quality service."

The result is J&A Keepsakes (the 'A' comes from Mandy's 'Sunday name', Amanda). The outlet stocks a wide range of scrapbooking and card making materials, with the aim of providing good quality products at affordable prices, and also to provide a service that encourages the scrapbooker to have fun with the hobby. Notably Mandy promotes the latter at regular scrapbooking crop sessions and card making classes. Mandy identifies the workshops, held throughout the year, as her favourite part of the job.

"Our crop sessions provide participants with an opportunity to study and put into practice the techniques involved in scrapbooking, and attract participants from all over the area. Groups are made up of both men and women of all ages, by families and by beginners and experienced scrapbookers alike. The workshops also offer the opportunity to meet others with the same interests and to share experiences and techniques, and that is the best aspect of this job for me. Although I have a lot of craft experience, I feel that I am still able to learn from others and I think that is something that will always keep the job fresh."

Although Mandy had previous retail experience, and both her business partner and she had in-depth knowledge of the work to be undertaken, she was assisted by Business Gateway, a service she found helpful: "When we began working with Business Gateway, Jim and I had already drawn up our business plan and preparations for J&A Keepsakes were well under way. Our business advisor, Evelyn, studied our work, and made various suggestions, pointing out best practice, especially in banking. We took these on board and it has improved our situation both financially and in terms of time.

"On the strength of my involvement with Business Gateway so far, I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending the service to others in the same situation. I would also be keen to attend a class or workshop in future to add to my skills base, or should I encounter any difficulties in the running of J&A Keepsakes."

The north east has long been a hotbed of craft talent and Mandy has complemented this with her unique business. Helped by her capable hands and driven by her obvious enthusiasm and passion for her work, J&A Keepsakes is sure to convert many more people to this popular pastime.

The Business Gateway service in Grampian is delivered by Enterprise North East Trust. For more information telephone 01224 289725 or visit www.bgateway.com.

ENDS

Picture Caption: Mandy Donald of J&A Keepsakes. En route to finding success with the Kintore business, Mandy sought help from the Business Gateway service, which is delivered by Enterprise North East Trust.

For further information, contact:

John McIntosh

Tricker PR

Office 01224 646491

Mobile 07780 680751

Email jmcintosh@trickerpr.com