Lucy's Story

What is your business?

My business is called Lulus Own which is a pottery business based in Dorset. I really try to focus on using my motive of sustainability by producing ceramic alternatives to single use plastic.

How did you hear about SWEF and what led you to apply for a grant?

I first heard about SWEF through a friend who also has her own business based in Bridport. It was at a time that was financially difficult having my own business, everything was going well until the rise in the cost of living. All my expenses for materials went up, and my electricity bills almost doubled. So, I was grateful when my friend told me about the SWEF business grant.

How did the grant help you develop your business?

The grant really changed my life at that point in time. I honestly don’t think I’d be here in the studio if I hadn’t got some sort of financial help.

How have you seen your finances change since you received the grant?

My finances changed quite drastically. A lot of the money that I received from the grant has gone towards buying more expensive market pitches that I wouldn’t have been able to afford if I didn’t have a grant. I’ve also been able to bulk buy a lot of my glazes, and in return I’ve saved money on that.

Where do you see your business in a years time?

In a year’s time I see my business being strong online. I really enjoy selling through markets; it’s a great way to meet people. However, I’d like to take a step back from that and start selling online, and getting my pottery outside of Dorset, and outside of England. I am selling a little bit overseas, but I really want to try and branch out and see more people using ceramic alternatives to single-use plastic.

Anything else you want to share?

Doing the application was a really nice experience for me because it made me sit down and reflect on what my business had gone through in the last year. I’d never really looked into the depths of it, and looked into the financial side of it. It was nice to sit down and have something to drive me into doing that. It was also a lovely experience to meet representatives from SWEF on Facetime.

My advice to others applying would be to have a good business plan written out so that your intentions are clear. It is important for people to be able to see where you are going with your business in the future compared to where you are at now because at the end of the day, they want to see your business grow. I highly recommend applying.

Where can we find out more?

You can find out more about my business on Instagram.

I’m currently working on my website, so if you follow me on Instagram the website should be released soon, and then you will be able to buy my work from there