January – my business turned 10
I first went self-employed in 2012 as a commission artist, but 2015 was when I started a product-based business, which I’ve focused on ever since. And I’m still doing commissions!
I didn’t do any celebration in particular, but in hindsight, it would be really nice if I did find a way to celebrate in a small way. I’m so grateful to all my customers, clients, stockists, friends and family. My business wouldn’t be where it is without you!
How I got started and my proudest moments
February – wedding anniversary
My husband and I celebrated our 2-year wedding anniversary at the Beck Hall in Malham – England’s first plant-based hotel! We were able to bring our greyhound Bonnie with us and relax knowing that all the food is vegan. No more scanning at the menu and being disappointed with uninspiring options.
There are a few great places to see in the area including coves, a waterfall, and England’s highest glacial lake. Naturally we did a lot of walks, which Bonnie was delighted about! Tired dog = happy dog.
March – Deaf Women’s Day
To mark the occasion I held a stall with Deafinitely Women. They were throwing the biggest Deaf Women’s Day event and had stalls showcasing deaf female makers. I had a really good time, meeting so many lovely, inspiring women who share my love for art, plants, and gardening. I brought an interpreter with me just in case, and we accidentally twinned! We both turned up wearing orange tops, black pinafores AND brown Doc Martens! The people who noticed couldn’t believe it wasn’t planned!
I also went on a solo trip to Lanzarote. It was a much-needed time to switch off. I drove all over the island in a camper van, getting inspiration from the beautiful Cactus Garden and Cesar Manique’s architectural projects. I saw the most amazing sunset up in the mountains. The weather during the 5-day trip was absolutely perfect – not too hot or cold.
April – school Career Day
I was invited to attend Braidwood School as a deaf role model at their Career Day. I was very nervous because I’m not good with children and had never hosted a workshop! I was going to say no, but I thought I should step out of my comfort zone. I gave a talk about my business journey and my inspiration to about 50 deaf pupils, split in a few groups. I then showed them how to paint with watercolour.
I was shattered at the end of the day but it was really lovely to see children looking up to me and other deaf role models. It was also great to meet other professionals who are deaf like me.
May – an art retreat for deaf artists
This was such a great opportunity to network and make like-minded friends. I got to do life drawing (which took me back to school!), ‘pour art’ which is a fluid painting, and plein air painting. It was refreshing to paint for fun for a change, and a good reminder that I need to do more of that at home.
June – a new freelance project
I gained a new 3-month freelance work doing social media for Flarewave Festival, a deaf-led festival in Brighton. I was working a lot because I also had a commission to start, which was a couple of floral family trees. I really loved painting this commission, because you know painting flowers is absolutely my thing!
July – busy and summer festivals
I got really busy with the Flarewave Festival but managed to escape to Chepstow for the Green Gathering festival. It was an amazing place to switch off and do crafty activities. I got to make a willow dragonfly, a zine about feminism, and carved wooden mushrooms. I also got to check out Nottingham Pride for the first time since I moved here. It was such great fun and the atmosphere was amazing.
August – busier still and more festivals
I got even busier in August with the extra work. Thankfully, I had booked to go to Vegan Camp Out which was much needed. I ate copious amounts of food, including the classic 99 ice-cream which took me back to childhood! I also went to the Shambala festival for a day and did some creative stuff.
September – Flarewave Festival arrived
At the beginning of the month Flarewave Festival was a huge success, to my relief and happiness. We received a lot of great feedback. Working for them as a social media coordinator was a great experience as I got to work with the deaf team and build my social media skills.
After the festival, my husband and I retreated to France for a few days with our friends. We were at Brive, walking in the countryside, making friends with horses, swimming in the river, visiting market towns, and kayaking.
October – I joined the Super Seconds Festival
Occasionally my products are delivered to me with minor imperfections, so instead of throwing them away, these imperfect products are heavily discounted (and not wasted!). I also launched a pre-order print in time for Halloween and had a new commission drawing a gorgeous dog with fine liner pens.
November – glazing ceramic tiles
I finally found time to start glazing some tiles that I’d ordered in, and apply decals of my paintings onto the glazed tiles. I was so pleased with how my paintings look on ceramic tiles, even though there were some imperfections from the glazing. I don’t think I nailed the right consistency and hopefully the next batch will come out better.
December – a watercolour commission
Before I wrapped up for Christmas, I spent most of the last few weeks doing the third commission of the year – a watercolour painting of the client’s special place. I might not be doing the commissions as much now due to time restraints, but I love seeing clients happy with pieces I’ve made exactly for them!
2025 was probably the busiest year I’ve ever had, and most of the time I felt like my hands were constantly full – so for 2026 I am hoping for a calmer year, which might mean less opportunities (which I’m okay with!). I’ve learnt a great deal of marketing last year with Flarewave Festival, and I feel I can bring my new skills into my current part-time marketing job with the charity, and not forgetting my business, of course! You might also have noticed that I grew a little more confident and posted a couple of BSL videos on Instagram, which I never had the courage to do in the past.
Thank you for your support, especially while I disappeared during summer working for the Flarewave Festival. Here’s hoping for a great 2026 for all of us!