Inviting Memories creates bespoke products that capture and create memories, such as personalised advent calendars and customised photo books.

Owner Kerry Gamson began designing her items in January 2018 after creating wedding invitations and stationery for friends and family. Since then, her love for design has flourished into an online business, whose ethos is to encourage and inspire positivity.

The Challenge:

Kerry knew that she was in her element when designing her products, and she loved the creative process of her work – from selecting the colours, to choosing materials. She had always dreamed of one day owning her own business and doing what she loved, but she needed some guidance to help get her business ideas off the ground.

The Solution:

Kerry met with TDA Business advisor, Kim Thornton, who provided advice and assistance regarding the key principles of starting a business. These included creating a marketing strategy and identifying her target audience, as well as developing a business plan and taking care of the essential administration – such as registering her business with HMRC. This support was delivered under the fully-funded ERDF Enterprise Coaching project.

About the help and advice offered by the TDA, Kerry said: ‘Kim has encouraged me from the beginning. She has been very supportive, welcoming my baby to our meetings, and encouraging a ‘can do’ attitude. She gave me the confidence and the knowledge I needed to make the best start possible.’

Kim Thornton, Business Advisor at TDA said: ‘Since first meeting Kerry 18 months ago, I have seen her confidence in her business grow. The quality of her product is outstanding, and since launching she has already secured commissions internationally. I am delighted to work with her on her business journey.’

Results:

Since the launch of her business, Kerry has set up an Etsy shop to showcase her range of products to an international audience.

Kerry said: ‘Within a month of launching my business, I have been named a top vendor at a Christmas market, set up a collaboration with an important charity, sold products internationally, and been asked to design commissions. I’m now living my dream, and not doing badly at all!’

Future:

As Inviting Memories continues to expand, Kerry plans to diversify her product range – which now includes birthday stationery such as invites, cards, bunting, party hats, and calendars.

She will also introduce wedding stationery to her range of goods. This will include invites, save the dates, thank you cards, and on-the-day stationery. The plan is to launch these items as soon as the wedding industry gets back on track.

TDA has supported Inviting Memories through the early stages of business start-up through one-to-one sessions and workshops. This is enabled by the European Regional Development Fund Enterprise Coaching Project, which provides fully funded business support to start-up businesses in Torbay.

To find out more about Inviting Memories you can visit: www.facebook.com/invitingmemories

You can find further information on setting up your own business, and the available business support, at: www.startuptorbay.com and www.tda-business.com

Written By: TDA

Start Up Torbay

A fully funded business support programme, designed specifically for businesses in Torquay, Brixham and Paignton, whether you’re at concept stage or already up and running.

Through a series of collaborative workshops and 1:1 sessions, you will learn all you need to get to grips with turning your idea into a reality.

Spread across five workshop sessions, the programme will cover the basics of starting a business, including business planning, marketing, financial planning, and promotion.

Who Are We?

We are a local, friendly team of Business Advisors, with a passion for helping businesses.

We have helped hundreds of people across the South-West unlock their potential to become self-employed; aiding budding entrepreneurs to start their own business and not look back.

This service is available free of charge to all Torbay residents from all backgrounds, with the aim of harnessing local entrepreneurial talent. This project is fully funded by Torbay Council and the European Regional Development Fund, and delivered by TDA.

Case Study: Inviting Memories