
Five talented Norwich makers, who met at markets in the year leading up to the first lockdown, are coming together again to showcase creative talent in Norwich later this month, with the help of a pop-up shop. Here, all five explain how working on their creative businesses have helped them through the pandemic
Carol Robinson @oneofakindclub – helping busy women (who think of others first) to feel good in themselves with confidence inspiring jewellery
One of a Kind Club is all about confidence inspiring jewellery so for me I’ve loved spreading positivity, pops of colour and confidence with jewellery as gifts or as treats for people who needed a little lift. The corona-coaster of times has been challenging for small businesses but the support and closeness of the virtual world of makers, especially in Norfolk, has been so motivating. Who’d have thought I’d have done over 30 virtual markets from my sofa bed in my studio as a stall, or collaborated heavily with people all over the country?

It’s also given me time, around home schooling two little ones, to revisit priorities. One of a Kind Club is my passion and a fab business. I can’t wait to get back in to the real world and organise confidence inspiring events with a lot of feel good jewellery.
Haychley @stellaboxdesigns – Linocut printmaker inspired by nature and folklore.

Lockdown really helped me to focus on printmaking and developing my techniques. There were no social expectations to go anywhere and no markets to attend so I found myself drawing and making prints nearly every day! The online printmaking and creative community has really been incredible. I started a blog series last summer where I interview printmakers from around the world and that’s really helped me (and I hope others) to feel part of a community.

Watching the news and seeing how many people have lost their lives so far in the pandemic really put things into perspective and made me realise how precious and short life is. I left my job recently to pursue printmaking full time…life is too short to not spend it doing something you love!
Lucy Baker @luckybearnorfolk – Handmade bags, pouches, purses made with cute and quirky fabrics

The pandemic has been a real mixed bag for small businesses but for me and other creatives it has actually been a weirdly positive experience. Apart from the therapeutic side of creating lovely things with gorgeous fabrics, which has been great for my mental wellbeing, what has really made it such a nice experience for me has been that I have been able to ‘meet’ so many amazing and talented artists and makers from right across the country through a vibrant online community.

I’ve also been able to support lots of indie biz owners by purchasing their fantastic products – and having little pressies to myself pop through the letterbox every so often has kept me going through tough times! Self-care is so important! Virtual markets have been brilliant but I’m so looking forward to being able to meet and chat with people in real life!
Safi Butler Art @safibutlerart – Print maker, general creative bod and cat lover – mostly making lino prints but also dabble in fused glass and collage:

When lockdown hit and all my booked craft fairs were cancelled, I was really worried about how my art business would survive. However the creative community seemed to thrive online – loads of small businesses were supporting each other, with mutual promotion and virtual markets springing up. I have connected with so many new creative people and taken part in online exhibitions and events that I would never have found otherwise.

Social media has played a huge part in staying connected and keeping inspired and motivated. As we come out the other end, it’s with real excitement to get together again and start selling in person.
Janine Paice @earthgoddessjewellerybyjai – Unique modern jewellery handmade with love – inspired by nature and all things beautiful

Creating healing crystal jewellery during the pandemic was an absolute blessing as it gave me something positive to focus on and pass the time whilst locked down at home. I find the process of creating very therapeutic, it helps me escape into my own little world and I love that I’m creating something that will bring pleasure and holistic health benefits to the people wearing it.

It was also great to be able to stay connected to people via my social media page and with my creative pals via our what’s app group too!
The pop-up-shop will take place on June 19, between 9.30am and 5.30pm, at Studio20, 20 Wensum Street, Norwich, NR3 1NY
Thank you so much for writing about this – we are so excited – pop along to the pop up shop