Hello lovelies, this is a wonderful company, and the owner happens to be a fellow poorly person, so again a slightly different interview, I hope it helps with understanding chronic illnesses a bit more, even if it just helps or inspires one person, Lucy is amazing and her products have the vintage edge that I love, along with some cute sweet and pretty items too! Lots of love to you all
Here we go;
Interview with Lucy -
The Parlor
What is the name of your illness(s) and to what degree do they affect you?
I was diagnosed with M.E at 16 and subsequently didn't finish school with any qualifications, as at that time there wasn't the scholastic support system they have in place now. My main symptoms were heart related and years later I was diagnosed with tachycardia (my resting heart rate would shoot up to 140bpm!) and p.o.t.s (the least glamorous name). For nearly 8 years I was pretty much housebound and relying on a wheelchair to get anywhere, it felt quite humiliating at first, but then you realise it's the only way you're going to get to go out and about!
After a few trials and errors on numerous medication my health started to improve so now I no longer need to use a wheelchair, but standing can be a huge problem and I still vary from feeling grotty to reasonably ok.
I made all of the images bigger so that you can see the quality and detail of the items, as well as the 'finishing off' it's clear to see that Lucy has such talent
How does it affect your ability to work and run a business, and are there benefits to your health with working for yourself and at home?
It effects my work a huge deal. I would love to take on more responsibilities, business endeavours, more fairs etc. but as I have the limitations I just keep being appreciative of what I can do and achieve for the time being.
I love working from home, it's probably the only thing I can do right now. Making a job for myself did wonders for my self esteem when I didn't have a lot else to rest on.
Although the downside is that it can get incredibly lonely if you're the only one in the house in all day. I'm usually desperate for human contact by the time my boyfriend gets in from work when he usually wants peace!
I usually don't like 'music inspired' jewellery, but I think this is beautiful and perfectly unique
What kind of things do you need to do to successfully work around your health limits?
I work in a really small space so all of my components/computer/tools are all within reach. I also need lots of help with fairs for the heavy lifting/unpacking of equipment and generally helping out with posting of orders.
What's your favourite thing about having your company?
I get to make the quality product I just don't see on the highstreet. I am incredibly passionate about what I make and want it to last the test of time, just like highstreet jewellery used to do in the 1950's onwards. I love working with antiques and vintage findings and getting to create the visuals I have in my head in as well as working on the design of the shop. And just the general sense of achievement of having created something from very little to nothing.
What would you say to someone who also has a health problem and wants to start a business?
Start small and see how it goes, often businesses take off by themselves so don't set yourself unreasonably high targets that can leave you feeling underwhelmed or stressed. Enjoy yourself! Running your own business is very stressful at times, both in good ways and bad. Don't avoid the tax man and be ethical in what you sell/do!
It's a great way to branch out from the norm and to do what you truly want to in life, you don't need to rely on qualifications, just being enthusiastic and doing something off your own bat is enough of a head start. It's better to work on your own CV with your own interests than to try to fit yourself (and health) into someone else's criteria. With the advent of the internet you can pretty much create any job you want for yourself and set you own rules.
I also love these, the little jewel added to each earring just makes it that much more delicate and intricate and anything in french is lovely to me
What things do you wish someone would of told you before you started up your business?
To be honest, I think you learn as you go. You need to be naive enough to take on challenges otherwise you'll never learn. But try to learn from other peoples mistakes and don't ever stop following your passion and what makes you happy. Just be aware that it's a lot of work.
I really love this piece as well, you can see how well each bead is attached and the clasp details with the rose, simply beautiful
What things keep you positive and smiling on poorly days?
My house rabbit Vincent is pretty damn cute - he hops around generally happy with life. Creating something really beautiful, good books, writing, making music, the internet!
The Parlor
Lucy has generously donated 3 beautiful items for the give away that are completely beautiful, I quite want to keep the locket in particular, I think they are probably one of my favourites from the website so as you all know by now, follow for 10 entries
Thankyou to Lucy/The Parlor for this wonderful interview ,all my love Chlay x
Pixie girl in the stream ....
Dressing up or dressing down you always look divine
Ivory face , so full of grace, I wish that look was mine
Sitting on tree stumps - all is magical, all is fine.
