A little late with this, I know, but the period between Christmas and New Year was full to the brim with family, friends, food and festivities… I didn’t open my laptop once, which, for me, is pretty amazing!
I’ve been self employed for 8 years and have loved every minute, it has given me a unique opportunity to explore all kinds of different creative ideas and 2016 was my best year since starting. I’ve made so many amazing friends along the way and collaborated with some truly inspirational and creative people. I feel very lucky at times, but then the late nights and craziness reminds me that I run a business and hard work is the means to everything.
Last year was a busy one with three Home, Food & Gift Markets, two events at The Walled Garden in Nottingham, the Summer Handpicked Guide to Derbyshire, Creative Business Workshops, the Big Business Day & The School of Christmas, phew! I think it’s fair to say that I like to keep myself busy! Here are some of my business highlights…
Spring Home, Food & Gift Market, March
The youngest of my three events, I introduced the Spring Market as there wasn’t anything else in the area at that time of year and Spring is a beautiful season and the event reflects it perfectly. The event is full of flowers beautiful gifts for Mothers Day & Easter and of course, chocolate! The next Spring Market will take place on Sunday 19th March at The Roundhouse in Derby and I cannot wait!
Spring Fair, The Walled Garden, April
These are a total pleasure to organise and have grown into wonderful one day events. This event sits alongside the Christmas Fair and visitors love them. The venue is beautiful and the handpicked selection of stallholders makes it a truly lovely day out. The next Spring Fair will take place on Sunday 2nd April.
Creative Business Workshops
Now in their fourth year, little did I know they would be so popular! When I started Fabulous Places I would have loved to attend something like this, but it wasn’t available nearby. I couldn’t do them on my own, so I reached out to some fabulous business ladies who I know and asked if they would like to join me to present a workshop. Popularity grew continually and more workshops were added to the calendar. The days are a great introduction to branding, social media, selling at events and online and much more. I’ve loved working with Lisa King and Miss Sammie Designs, two inspiring ladies who join me to make up the Creative Business Workshop Team. Join my mailing list to receive all of 2017 news.
The Handpicked Guide to Derbyshire
For the last 4 years I have been producing a printed pocket guide featuring fabulous shops, eateries, coffee shops etc. in my home town of Derbyshire. 10,000 are printed and they’re free to pick up at various places around the County and then the remaining copies are available at the Summer Home, Food & Gift Market.
Summer Home, Food & Gift Market, July
A two day event filled with my favourite handpicked stallholders. This year, the fabulous Sara Tasker from Me & Orla joined us on the Saturday to hold two Instagram Workshops. The Summer Market is always full of delicious food, drink, gifts and home accessories… and not forgetting the Tea Room, Prosecco Bar & VIP Tickets! The next Summer Home, Food & Gift Market will take place on Sunday 2nd July.
The Big Business Day, September
An annual day where the Creative Business Workshop goes big… this year saw over 35 attendees and guest speakers including Harry & Frank, Letterbox Lane. A wonderful collaboration of creatives offering inspirational sessions covering all aspects of business.
Christmas Home, Food & Gift Market, November
What a weekend! Now in its 8th year, the event has become hugely popular with visitors travelling from all over the country. For me the lead up and weekend takes over my life, but in the best possible way, such a fab event to organise. This year I started to manage the Tea Room offering and along with my amazing tea room team, it was a huge success with hundreds of cups of tea being served and almost all our cakes selling out! This year’s Christmas Home, Food & Gift Market will table place on Sat 11th and Sun 12th November.
Christmas Fair, The Walled Garden, Nottingham
This was the third Christmas Fair and each year they become more popular, a special event in a beautiful venue. Both the Spring and Christmas events will be back at The Walled Garden this year! This year’s Christmas Fair at The Walled Garden will be on Sunday 19th November.
The School of Christmas, Derbyshire
A new venture where I collaborated with my friend, Klara from Birds in the Attic. An idea we thought of over coffee one day that became 3 wonderful sessions… all the best ideas are born over coffee with friends! We found the perfect venue and filled the space with truly inspirational ideas for table dressing, decor, entertaining, advent, festive nibbles and drinks. The School of Christmas will be back again this year… join the Fabulous Places mailing list for updates.
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See you in 2017!
Deb 🙂
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