LilliBet has evolved over the past few years. It began on my birthday when one of my daughters created a special frame for me using pebbles. She sparked my imagination and I decided this is something I could also make. I started designing and creating my pebble pictures. I picked the name LilliBet and opened a Facebook and Instagram page. Within a few hours my first order was placed, and so it began. I created frames for all different occasions, from weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, new babies and families. I decided to apply to a gift shop in a busy high street for a concession. The manageress loved my frames and I was accepted to trade the following week.
I began with one concession and after a very busy Christmas period I decided to expand my concession to two stands. This gave me more impact in the shop and I was able to then expand my stock and show more diversity. I received commissions from Spain and Italy and from all over the country.
During the summer months I would begin creating my bespoke handmade Christmas tree decorations. I created in the region of 1200 over the months and sold out over the festive period.
It naturally evolved and as I received more orders for baby gifts, I designed more and more. I added natural wooden teethers and dummy clips, and soon realised the customers wanted natural organic gifts.
I began to source natural and organic baby gifts; I was lucky as one of my colleagues left the shop and handed me lots of contacts to whom I quickly applied. I now sell the extremely popular Best Years toys which includes hand knitted fair trade toys and knitted dinosaurs. The unique gift in a tin has proven to be one of my best sellers, alongside the personalised trains. I created my own baby gift baskets which is an ideal gift for a new baby and recently expanded my stock to include baby clothes. This journey has been an amazing experience and as it expands, I am sure it will take me in lots of different directions.
