Teenager Kierxn Davison owns Red Panda Crafts Norfolk, which won the Business in the Community Award at the recent Broadland Community at Heart Awards. Kierxn, who is profoundly deaf, shares the story of starting a business in lockdown at the age of 13
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Kierxn and I own Red Panda Crafts Norfolk (RPCN) which is a candle and diffuser company, as well as workshops and events.
What is the background to Red Panda Crafts Norfolk?
So RPCN was started around four and half years ago. I was 13 when I started my business in lockdown with the support of my family. I am now 18 years old. So, from being 13 when RPCN started to now being 18 I have: hosted Norfolk Deaf Celebration Day & Crafts Fair which is now an annual event; helped another business/organisation host their own unique event; built a website on my own from start to finish; rented shelves in three locations (and hopefully more in the future); hosted candle workshops; and evolved my own business.
What led you to starting up Red Panda Crafts Norfolk?
It all started in the 2020 lockdown where I had nothing to do and I thought I could sell some gifts. Originally, I started with soaps but moved onto candles and diffusers and a couple of years later we hosted candle making workshops to encourage wellbeing. In 2024, we hosted Norfolk Deaf Celebration Day on the 2nd of August at The Forum, Norwich. The day consisted of stallholders, performances and crafts which aimed to bring all deaf people together!
What challenges have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
As a few people may know, I have been profoundly deaf since birth, so going through Covid with a mask, and isolation, created issues with me trying to socialise with society.
How well has RPCN been received in Sprowston?
RPCN is quite well known in Sprowston – we attend local fairs to sell our products. We also are in partnership with a ‘balloon and bakes’ company to provide ‘Happy Birthday’ Candles in their own style for them to sell with their balloons.
How can people get involved with the candle making workshops, for example, and where? Our candle making workshop provides a lot for our clients, including getting to decorate jars, mixing wax, scent, and colour then pouring them in the jars they have just decorated!
What did it mean to win the Business in the Community award at the Broadland Community at Heart Awards?
It meant that we were recognised for the work we have done for our community. To be recognised is amazing and we can’t wait to see what is ahead of us!
What are your hopes and dreams for RPCN?
I hope for RPCN to continue to work with the community, with workshops and events coming throughout the years plus supporting other organisations and charities!
Red Panda Crafts Norfolk can be found on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok (@RedPandaCraftsNorfolkuk) or visit creationcraftsnorfolk.com. Red Panda Crafts Norfolk is at the Festive Gift & Food Show at the Norfolk Showground, from November 8-10, 2024.
Featured image of Kierxn – supplied
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