ANNIVERSARY PROFILE FAY’S STUDIO
Exciting times ahead Publisher and designer Fay Miladowska is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Fay’s Studio. We ask her about her business and what drives her ambition. Why did you start your business? In 2008 I was out of work, struggling with a chronic illness and, in an effort to get back to work and use my degree in illustration, I approached the Prince’s Trust and enrolled on their Business Enterprise course. I’d licensed some artwork previously to a publisher so I saw an opportunity to launch my own greetings card company. What inspires your work? Today my work is heavily inspired by flora and fauna and involves a lot of intricate pointilism-style illustration. However, in 2013, I received a Henries nomination for my humour range Sweet Tooth so my work has evolved. What do you believe has been the key to your success? I definitely have an ‘I can do it’ attitude. I think ill health actually gave me more passion and drive, so this has opened up so many opportunities and collaborations over the years, and I say ‘yes’ whenever I’m able to. This has led to me working with Australia’s bestselling children’s author, meeting Prince Charles at the Highgrove suppliers’ Christmas party, appearing on TV a few times, and having my cards on display in the windows at Harrods, all just from giving things a go. How are you planning to celebrate your 10th anniversary? I already have lots of exciting commissions, collaborations and new products in line for 2020, and I’m so excited for everything to come in the future. Every new milestone, contact or order is a celebration of how far I’ve come, so it will be an amazing year. What’s been the biggest business challenge you’ve had to overcome? Growing at a rate which I can handle! I’ve always run the office from home
which has been a huge benefit especially as it has given me the flexibility when I haven’t been well. When I began selling my cards in large volume too, that’s when I’ve had to pull in favours from family and friends. Is there anything you wish you’d done differently? Back in the early days, I missed out on the whole Ladder Club experience sp learned a lot of lessons the hard way.. I wish I’d found my niche a little earlier,
finishes out there. I now produce cards knowing that everything can be fully recycled which has greatly lowered my environmental impact and, of course, gives me huge satisfaction. What do you enjoy most about working in the industry? website that wasn’t stuck in the past decade and keeps up to speed with how the business has expanded. It’s a wonderful showcase of all I’ve achieved and a great platform which now works well on all devices making ordering and tracking orders much easier for customers.
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I’m so excited for everything to come in the future
but I’ve had so much fun along the way developing different ranges and styles and that’s been part of the joy of running my own company. What has been the biggest change in the industry you’ve noticed? I would definitely say the amount of smaller publishers, and the techniques, boards and finishes have come on leaps and bounds. The more recent focus on the industry’s impact on the environment. The amount of choice for buyers is great. I find I’m often inclined to develop ranges which respond to short-term trends, but I do indulge in self-initiated designs when I discover a new species. You’re introducing bio-glitter in your products. How important is it for you to be environmentally-conscious? I’ve been hand-applying glitter for about five years and in the past six to nine months I’ve had a calling to change my finishes to biodegradable alternatives. It’s allowed me to look into other options and research the best
It has to be working in such a fastpaced industry, where I’ve made so many friends. I’ve loved working for myself, being the boss and taking all the rises and falls as they come. I’ve had the honour of working with so many leading retailers and prestigious companies. You just never know what’s around the corner! I’m very proud of my business and I put this down to a determination which never waivers. What can visitors expect at Spring Fair? My big smile as always, and lots of new designs in my In The Wild card range, all finished with bio-glitter of course! I’ll be there with clipboard in hand ready to help customers with orders for 2020. Come and see us, pick up the new trade catalogue and get help registering on the website from your phone or tablet. You’ve started a new trade website, why did you decide to do that? I was determined to invest in a new
What’s in store for the next 10 years? I’d like Fay’s Studio to expand further and diversify more into stationery, accessories, tableware and giftware. I’m always looking for new opportunities, if any buyers would like to commission a design for their product range, do get in touch. I’m also looking to bring someone into the business to help it grow. I have four fantastic agents on the ground now, and would like to take on more. As demand has grown, I need someone on board to help cope with this. I’m going to be interviewing for a studio/ production assistant, someone with enthusiasm for and experience in the greetings industry with a lot to offer. Anything else to add? None of this would have been possible without my amazing customers, so I have to thank everyone for their fantastic support over the years. I also have to mention my mum, who many will know from the trade shows. She has been a very hard-working, glamorous assistant throughout it all.
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10/01/2020 16:21