Meet the Member: Katy Webster Homeware

Meet our member Katy from Katy Webster Homeware. She tells us more about how she got started, shares her highlights & challenges of running her own business, and answers our Local Biz Quickfire.

Briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what your business offers.

I’m Katy (Mum of two teens, one of whom has just finished A levels). I work from my home studio in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire designing and sewing homeware products.

How and why did your business get started?

I lived overseas between 2003 and 2017. When we returned to the UK I found it really hard to get back into the workplace as I hadn’t worked since having my daughter. My homeware business started very organically in 2019. I was shopping for a new table runner but couldn’t find any I liked. It dawned on me that I could just source some fabric and sew one – especially as I had time on my hands.

The thing is… I didn’t own a sewing machine and hadn’t sewn anything since the age of 12 in home economics class! Undeterred, I ordered a very basic machine, left it sitting in the box for a few weeks, before plucking up the courage to thread it and watch a few YouTube videos. I haven’t stopped sewing since.

What’s been your biggest highlight of running your business?

Lots of highlights but in a nutshell being able to work creatively, manage my own time and earn money entirely independently.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Many! Mainly having to wear all the hats, all the time – sewing, photography, marketing, sourcing/ordering supplies, website admin, packing, accountancy, etc etc. Every item that heads out the door is made entirely by myself – I’ve sewn well over 6,000 items since I started on Etsy 5 years ago. It’s very hard work keeping on top of it all during the winter months – I often need to work 7 days a week.

What are your plans for the future for your business?

I hope to be able to scale up output by outsourcing some aspects of the sewing process. I also want to refine my range so I focus on just a handful of key products that sell well. I need to get more strategic and work smarter, not harder.

What’s the best thing about being a member of Chiltern Biz Collective?

I’ve only just joined but am looking forward to meeting like minded business owners as being a one person business can get a little lonely at times! It looks like there’s a fabulous range of events and classes on offer.

How can people work with you and where can we find you?

Please check out my website www.katywebsterhomeware.com, my Etsy shop www.katywebsterhomeware.etsy.com or email me, info@katywebsterhomeware.com

Local Biz Quick Fire!

Favourite local place to eat & drink?

The Alford Arms

Favourite local retailer (online or bricks & mortar)?

Grape Expectations

Favourite local day out?

Big dog walk and pub lunch discovering a new part of the Chilterns.

Shoutout to 3 local businesses who you love.

Apothaka Skincare, Hello Ruth, Lucky Lobster