Embroidering Gifts to Treasure

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katherine Savage, founder of Treasure Kave, located in London, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Treasure Kave is a hand embroidery business. I believe in designing beautiful, quality, fun, and sustainable gifts that will be treasured for years to come. To ‘sow’ my love of embroidery and inspire others to use this versatile craft, I have developed a range of embroidery kits which are designed to be fun and accessible for all abilities. My customers are people who love handicrafts and want to learn how to make their own artwork or up-cycle their clothing.

Tell us about yourself

I'm an embroidery artist, and I fell in love with embroidery at a young age. I love how it magically transports me to a relaxed, creative, and happy world away from all the stresses of life. After some time focusing on some stitches, l emerge with a full heart and ready to take on almost anything! I design all of my embroidery kits with this in mind, as l would love for others to experience this fun, relaxing, and enjoyable craft.

I transitioned from a hobby to a business in 2021 after a year of dabbling with selling my work. I dreamed of having a craft business as a teenager and student but was always told l needed to follow a traditional career path. After being made redundant while pregnant with my second child, I've been given an amazing opportunity to pursue my dream career. I'm motivated by learning, and l love the variety my day and week can look like. I love exploring new techniques and simplifying them to teach others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have now taught hundreds of others how to embroider and seen how much joy it bring them. One student, in particular, stands out who was nine years old and is now making hoops for all the family gifts. She sends me photos of her work, and to think I've helped start someone off on a hobby for life really makes my heart sing.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things is finding balance, giving myself time off, and essentially not burning out! Very hard a busy times of the year but so important.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Try lots of things out: Lots of things you try may be a success, but there will be plenty along the way that don't. Perseverance is key, and putting the failures down to experience and not take it personally.
Costs: When working on a product, don't forget to add in the time it takes you to make the product. Your time is valuable, so don't undervalue yourself. Think in a few years, if you would be paying someone else, you don't want to have to hike your prices up to make any margin.
Find your tribe: Finding people that have brands that share similar values to you is so important. I've made some amazing friendships and am surrounded by inspiring businesses who believe in community over competition. We're all out there doing our thing, and it's amazing to watch others thrive and achieve their goals!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://treasurekave.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Treasure.Kave
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treasure.kave/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-savage-miles-8112a120/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.