Posted by Katia Organics , Friday, 21 January 2011 13:31
Last night I promised you I would let you know the great businesswomen that I met last night and many that are great for anyone getting married soon! Click on highlights to link to theit webpages.
First person I met was Lindsay Rao who owns SixpennyBlue, a gorgeous little wedding shop with an online presence selling handmade wedding invitations and stationery. The shop showcases/sells lots of items of interest to Brides to be such as tiara's and wedding jewellery, cup cakes and photographers. Both our husbands used to work together and we use the same web designer so we've been in touch "virtually" before but it was great to actually meet up, at last!
Now if you are getting married and need a wedding planner then MrsPandP (Alison Tinlin) from Plans and Presents is fantastic. She has been in business for less than 2 years and already has been nominated for prestigious awards - this lady has all the contacts to give you the wedding of your dreams. My view about event organisers is they can save you money. For the price of a Starbucks coffee a day you could have Alison's services for a year, planning your wedding. I'm sure with all her contacts the money she would save you would be more than her cost, and in this financial climate who can afford not to save money.
As mentioned SixpennyBlue showcase tiara's and wedding jewellery, one firm being Wedding and Baby. Louise Graham offers a bespoke design service as well as the opportunity to purchase one of their pre-designed options. Take a look at the testimonials her work is beautiful and you really need to look at the photos and see the pieces to appreciate just how beautiful they are. Louise can also run jewellery and craft making parties.
Irene McNamee runs the newly launched Renfrewshire Wedding Directory listing local suppliers to help you organise the wedding of your dreams! She also makes wedding stationery and cakes via her other business i-craft.
Talking of cakes, it was a delight to meet Nikki McCourt from Cup Couture. Having tasted some cupcakes at a recent Christmas fayre I understood why this new business was taking the country by storm. Having recently moved into Commercial kitchens expect to hear alot more about this young and exciting business that makes the most delightful range of cupcakes for weddings, events or special occasions. Wow I'm feeling really peckish now:-)
Which leads me nicely on to a lovely cottage industry business called Cochrane Cottage. Carol-Anne makes and sells Fabulous Jams, Chutneys, Drizzles & Balsamics from their commercial kitchen based at home. They already have over 20 stockists and are well on their way to doubling this. I tasted the sweet chilli drizzle which was gorgeous and will be placing my order soon for that and some Balsamic vinegars!
Since having children I've found I hardly wear any jewellery. Now that they are getting older I find I could wear a piece of jewellery without it being ripped from me or being used as a teether. Lesley Reid from Carla barla bead's make some of the most stylish and beautiful pieces of costume jewellery that I've seen and the prices are very affordable. Again you must checkout their facebook page to see photos and if you are local I would definately recommend a party.
Finally for all these working mums we need support and childcare. Two lovely ladies were on hand to help out Elaine Busby, a registered childminder from Ready, Steady, Go and Lyndsey McKendry from Call Team, a reliable and effective call answering service - great support for businesses working from home with not enough hours in the day.
So all in all a great mix and a great bunch of people. Check out their pages and I hope you find something you like and with all this wedding talk don't forget Katia Organics can offer some lovely organic products as favors for something just a little bit different, just get in touch on 0141 416 1601 or email info@katiaorganics for more details.
KOx
Excellent post Gillian, it was a great meeting and fab to hear about everyone's business. Hope to meet you again sometime. Lyndsey