Hustle and Juggle With Fay Stephenson
Name:
Fay Stephenson
Website:
http://www.henryfredandfelicity.com
Email:
fay@henryfredandfelicity.co.uk
Facebook:
Twitter:
How long have you been doing the Hustle and Juggle?
6 years
What is the Juggle to your Hustle?
Own business, day Job, 3 kids, Husband and a cat 😉 LOL
Tell me more about your business?
Hey, I’m Felicity. Well actually I’m Fay but my mum always wanted to call me Felicity, so that’s my nod to her and everything she has done for me. My creative journey began in 2010 after the birth of my second son Freddie, I wanted something to decorate their rooms but i couldn’t find what i was looking for, it was either personalised, or it matched their decor, but nothing did both! So having studied art at school and always been fairly crafty I decided to make my own canvases for their rooms. When friends visited they loved the canvases and soon I was being asked to make for others. One thing led to another and before I knew it Henry, Fred & Felicity was born, selling unique & personalised children’s wall art hand-painted and designed by myself.
After 2 years of selling via word of mouth and Facebook, I decided I wanted to widen my horizons so in 2012 I launched my Etsy Store, but within months I found that I would be working on a slightly more important creation, my 3rd baby and another boy! I knew Samuel would be my last so I wanted to dedicate my time to him, which meant my shop would have to take a back seat. I enjoyed three years of unbelievable joy, hard work and fulfillment; what it also allowed me was some really focused time developing my brand especially for you guys. I hope you like what you see… There is so much more to come!
The addition of soft furnishings to my hand painted canvas lines is just the first step in even bigger plans as the collections develop. Over the next few months I will be introducing more new lines in soft furnishings, with bright and fun fabrics designed by me, exclusively for you! The perfect complement for your nursery or bedroom decor. In signature Grey, with bold pastel highlights, Henry, Fred & Felicity is all about simple, beautiful things to brighten not only your decor, but your day also!
What is your Hustle and Juggle story?
This last year has been a real rollercoaster for me. I was so close to throwing the towel in but something just kept pushing me on, i knew deep down that if i just kept working away it would all pay off. I’m still not able to give up the day job just yet, but I’m a damn site closer than i was this time last year, so imagine where i will be next year! My Etsy shop has really taken off, my website is up and running with an online store and just before Christmas I was accepted to sell on NOTHS, so 2017 is my year to take.
The biggest juggle for me towards the end of the year was coping with the level of orders i now am receiving on a daily basis, whilst still working the day job, looking after the boys and also continuing to increase my visibility to ensure the business gets to the point where i can leave the day job.
I think the ugly for me was in Sept when i exhibited at the Baby & Toddler show in Manchester. I absolutely loved the experience and met some amazing people, some of who i’m still in touch with now; but despite amazing feedback from lots of people the sales were abysmal and it cost me a great deal. That was hard to swallow, but i had to look at it as a lesson learnt. If i hadn’t done then i’d never know and always wonder; at least now i know!
What’s your message to anyone reading this to inspire them to keep going and remain visible?
It really is about putting the effort in, do as much as you can when you can, but don’t kill yourself. Explain to those around you why and what you are doing and ask for their help & support when you need it, don’t be afraid! Surround yourself with people who raise you up and inspire you as they will do nothing but help you on your journey.
And remember that… it is a journey, it won’t happen overnight but as long as you keep moving forward then you will get there
If like Fay you are Hustling & Juggling and would like to share your story with others please find out how you can do so here. I would love to hear from you.
Lastly if you are ever feeling like giving up please remember Fay’s advice – It is a journey, it won’t happen overnight but as long as you keep moving forward then you will get there!
If you need a daily reminder then visit the Justle™ shop for mugs of inspiration and join my “Buy A Mug, I’ll Give You A Plug” campaign!
Love, Dee
xx
