Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 33 - November/December 2021

33 COMPANY PROFILE ON THE FARM Lucy’s Farm Owner Lucy Tidbury’s passion for art, design and her brand shines through in the cheeky, fun and beautiful products she creates. Read on for her story… When did you start up and why? I’ve been an artist since I can remember and decided to study art through school and then University, after graduating I did a little travelling and a few ‘proper’ jobs alongside my artwork. However, it was in 2014 that I decided to take the leap and become a full time artist. My job was getting busier and my art was getting more and more popular so it got to the point where I couldn’t juggle both. I thought to myself if I don’t go for it now and make a go of it with my art then I never will – I have never looked back! Being able to make a living from something I am passionate about and enjoy makes me feel incredibly lucky. What prompted you to launch the business? I have always wanted to work on my art full time but it took a while to get the courage to do it. Back in 2014 I started working on a series of paintings now known as the ‘Moo Selfies’ – they were a hit and it was then that I thought to myself that this could really work as a business, so I went for it. The series grew and so did the business. Selling my original art work and prints alongside an ever growing range of gifts and homewares has meant that I can really make a business out of my art and develop my own brand. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? I’d say my biggest challenge so far has been balance! Finding the balance between running a business, finding the time to paint, running a shop, being on the road at shows, online sales, wholesale and not to mention finding time for family and friends! I have to admit in the first few years I definitely didn’t have the right balance and I felt I could never put my all in to any one thing – I was just (unsuccessfully) juggling everything. I realised I needed a team; it was time to share the load, learn to delegate and maybe not be such a control freak. So, it was Team Moo to the rescue! I now have some amazing people around me that can help with the day-to-day running of the business, man the shop so I can spend a little more time painting, help me organise my disorganised creative brain and be there to share ideas, develop new products and give me that balance that I have desperately needed. Tell us about your product offering . The Lucy’s Farm range has grown a lot over the years. Having starting with just original paintings, prints and cards, I have expanded in to a range of kitchenware, homewares and gifts, including mugs, jugs and tea pots as well as cushions, beach towels and tote bags. We also have a huge range of stationary for those that love writing things down, from notebooks and notepads to our ever popular calendars and diaries. We’ve even launched a new Moo pencil case this year complete with branded colouring pencils for kids and grown ups! The range is constantly growing and we’re always looking to add new items – we get great ideas from our customers, which helps and we’re always looking for that next perfect Moo gift. What are your most popular products? Our range of fine china kitchenware is the most popular, with our theme being mainly around the rather curious and cheeky farm animals – they are a great