11th Dec 2024
Meet The Member – Rachael, Craftypups
Name – Rachael
Business Name – Craftypups
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I started Craftypups in 2019 with my husband Neil, originally using a wood carving (CNC) machine he bought with redundancy money! The first coasters we made got lots of positive feedback, so we then decided to see if we could make a business out of it. We switched to predominantly laser engraving in 2020, which gave us much more flexibility. I run the business on a day-to-day basis, including finances, social media, making all the stock, sending out online orders., restocking shops, working with trade customers etc – it’s now my full time job!
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Learn how to sell yourself and your products!
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
Social media and marketing – I’m naturally a very private person, and don’t really use social media for myself, but I’ve had to try to embrace it as part of the business
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Be organised! Make sure you understand what needs to be done regularly, and keep on top of it all, even if it’s not all fun (admin and finances are vital to success)
What are the big business goals for the year?
Increase online sales and social media presence
How can the GGC Business membership help?
Advice on how best to market my brand better, particularly with social media
What’s the dream?
Profits from the business provide a steady income for me
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business!
Fake it till you make it!
Shout out to another local business you admire?
Go la la greetings cards
Give us 3 fun facts about you!
- I’m English, but have lived in Glasgow for over 30 years – my Scottish accent is appalling, even though a lot of Craftypup’s range is based on Scottish vernacular!
- I once told Jeremy Vine to f*ck off to the back of the queue when he tried to butt in ahead of us at the Edinburgh festival (I was half-joking!)
- I have a black belt in karate (from about 30 years ago, so I’m a bit rusty now!)
Find out more about Craftypups and get in touch with Rachael here!
