For all it is a smaller country in terms of geography, Holland is the most closely aligned market to the U.K. in terms of trend. It is a big nation of card-makers and paper crafters, and Germany's market is at least five times larger than over here.
We work very closely with HSN's buying team, to ensure that our products and demonstrations are as exciting, educational and as inspirational as possible.
Sewing is getting more mainstream, helped by the BBC show, 'The Great British Sewing Bee,' and we have to look at those types of things to see how we can use it as an opportunity.
I've always been creative - I baked, knitted and crocheted with my mum and grandma.
I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to have a business.
That's what us northern people do don't we? Don't mince our words, just say it how it is.
It's an amazing achievement to win a National Business Award and it recognises all of the hard work and determination of the team of people that have made Crafter's Companion the success that it is today.
I worked in my parents' decorating store from six. My mum would get me in every Saturday polishing the paint and straightening the wallpaper for 50p.
I always wanted to be the best at what I did; I wanted that at university, I wanted the first-class honour and to be the best in class.
When I go to the U.S., the flights are long, and they do affect the body clock, but they are worth it.
I understand the highs and lows of building a global business from the ground and taking that initial product idea all the way to the market.
I want to inspire and educate people and just be an Aladdin's cave for the magpie crafters that are already out there.
There are lots of people at our company who dedicate their time and effort to make sure that the journey from product design to hitting the screen is as seamless as possible.
When I was younger, I used to power dress - I'd wear black and grey and suits all the time, to make it feel like I belonged.
There was no way I was going to have a baby and hand him over to a nanny.
Crafter's Companion started life as a big dream in my little university bedroom.
I was surprised to hear that I would receive an MBE and have no idea where the nomination originated but I'm incredibly grateful.
I'm just like the girl next door.
I came up with the Enveloper when I was 20 and it took my dad and me several months to develop the initial concept into a working model.
We've had to be innovative, in terms of reaching the customer, and that's all been about making it an experiential shopping environment.
