Introducing Sarah Anderson...
Today we want to put a #SpotlightOn a small business with the Devon community at the very heart of its ethos! Introducing Devon Made Design a design studio and shop based in Paignton, founded by Sarah Anderson. Sarah says;
“I have always been creative since I can remember. I loved art and design growing up and studied Graphic Communication with Typography in Exeter. I have been a creative designer ever since. Specialising in graphic and web design but also handmade items and watercolour. I specialise in wedding design, creating anything from your invitations to your wedding signage.”
Sarah first established her design business as a side hustle in 2004, whilst still working full-time as a website designer for various companies all whilst raising three children. In January 2020 she achieved her dream of opening a physical studio but was immediately knocked back when two months later it had to close permanently due to Covid. Left at home, self-employed with three young children, Sarah was very worried about the future of her small business.
At what felt like a real low point Sarah reached out to Wendy Wood a friend and women’s business coach, and after a 30-minute discovery call, achieved a new perspective, and simply thought ‘if not now, when?’.
Since 2020 Devon Made Design has gone from strength to strength, achieving goal after goal. In February of this year, she opened her long dreamt for shop and studio space!
When Sarah opened the store, it wasn’t just about having a space to trade:
“I wanted to create a community space to showcase local designer/makers’ work and this is now all coming to fruition. From illustrators such as Stella Issacs’s cards and prints to the most gorgeous natural skincare products from Wild Rising.”
The shop is a multifunctional space, with a graphic design studio for Sarah at the back, and the Devon Made store at the front! Selling items such as handmade cards, prints, candles, skincare pompom décor, wax melts, children’s busy boxes, cushions, jewellery, and lots more!
If you have a small business you’d like help starting, or growing, book a free 1-1 with one of our experts!