Kelly Westrop started Foxy Dot, an artisan business making anything from reusable cotton and breast pads to winter snoods, after being made redundant last year. And she says it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her and her family
Compared to most, it’s been pretty much a plain Jane kind of life. There’s been a few bumps in the road, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones – being happy and healthy is the main aim.
At the start of 2020, I was preparing to go back to work after maternity leave, then the pandemic hit so I was then forced to work from home, got made redundant swiftly after returning, so then started Foxy Dot. I think the pandemic led to quite a few people re-evaluating their work/home-life balance and I’m pleased to say that the redundancy I was so worried and upset about was the best thing to have happened to me and my family.
It has been tough, juggling Foxy Dot around two very active toddlers, when my husband was still going out to do shift work – and being stuck at home pushed me to my limits, but I think everyone has had their challenges. We kept safe, well and are still married so we came out of it OK!
Foxy Dot comes from my eldest son’s comforter, ‘Foxy’ and my youngest’s nickname, Digby ‘Dot’. I wanted to include my boys in the name somehow as they’re the reason for doing all of this!
I started sewing for fun in 2015, sewing patchwork blankets, covered books and other things just before I had eldest son, Henry. I had a break from sewing when he was born, right up until the beginning of the pandemic which is when Foxy Dot was born. I figure you’re a long time at work, so why not do something you love?!
I source my fabric from other small businesses, who I find through the powers of Instagram. I love supporting other independent businesses where I can and I’m a regular customer of @amyelizabethfabrics @jellyfabrics and @sew_fabrics.
I love getting the most out of everything I buy and really dislike wastage. Since becoming a mum, I’ve become more aware of the effects of disposable products, such as cotton pads, wipes and breast pads so wanted to do my bit in offering a range of these products that can be used over and over.
You can find my products on Etsy. Failing that, if you are looking for a service or commission from me, they can always get in contact via DM, I’m always happy to chat through requirements!
There are so many things I want to do. I’m planning to streamline my products into ‘collections’ whilst adding some new pieces. I want to soak up as much knowledge and skills as I can in dressmaking, I’d love to offer those kind of services one day and would love to branch into bridal wear – watch this space!
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