30 under 30 is so 2015. Let’s give praise to the people still choosing to freelance in their seventies.
Celebrating 7 Over 70 Name: Lesley Naylor Age: 70 Based in: Comrie, a small village in Perthshire, Scotland What do you freelance as? I design and make mostly handbags and cushions. I love to sew and I’m passionate about Harris Tweed, so I make lots of other things too. Most of my customers come to me for bespoke gifts - for themselves, family and friends. I think that’s what I enjoy the most, the chats before, during and after the make. I’ve recently been making Harris Tweed bow ties and cufflinks for a wedding party. It was great fun choosing different colours to suit the personalities of the male guests. Matching handbags to personalities is always enjoyable too, and discovering 40
whether cushions are for hugging or placing strategically and definitely not for lounging on! I love my customers. How long have you been doing this? I’ve been working for myself and freelancing for exactly 10 years. I retired from nursing, and friends and family encouraged me to open up my studio as a little shop and I’ve never looked back. What do you see as your greatest achievement as a freelancer? My greatest achievement is the many, many friends I’ve made along the way. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, and the fact that the business survived the pandemic. Although I have to admit I had a great mentor at that time. I thought my business would disappear
but I reached out to another small business owner via Facebook. Melissa of Wildcurrant Marketing held my hand through the maze of social media and set up a fantastic website for me. Although we’ve never met, we chat often and have become great friends. I’m not sure my business would have survived without her. What advice would you give to others starting out on their freelance journey? The advice I would give any freelancer starting out at the kitchen table or in a home studio is, just go for it. There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain. And never be scared to ask for advice. Find Lesley on Insta @LesleyMacMaking or visit LesleyMacMakes.co.uk. Freelancer Magazine
