Introducing Rebecca from Smith Originals who is not only a newcomer to Piccadilly Market on the 3rd August but also to the whole craft business world.

Loving her unique creations as I am sure you will also.

Tell us a little about yourself?
About a year ago I realised the corporate jungle wasn’t for me so I made a break for it and now I spend my days surrounded by fabric in a little cottage in Hepburn.

How did you come up with your business name?
My last name is Smith, which is far from original, so it’s really an ironic title I guess.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I’ve made bags for friends for years and found that bags gave a lot more scope for creativity. You can put fabrics, colours and textures together in a bag that you can’t get away with in clothing! As for hats, I’ve always been a hat person. Moving to Hepburn really gave me a great excuse to wear them more, but I couldn’t find the kinds of comfy winter hats I wanted to wear. So I started making them.

How long have you been in business for?
Only a few months.  Glad to have you on board so quickly

What inspires you?
A lot of things. People who are passionate about something, whatever it is. Living in Hepburn. The creative community.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
Always! My mum and grandmothers were all crafty. Sewing, knitting, crotchet, cross-stitch - you name it. I’ve sewn my whole life.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m less cool, more nerdy! I learnt Flamenco dance for a couple of years. It was fierce, I’d love to take it up again one day.

If money was no object what would be your dream destination right now?
Russia, or Austria. With a stopover in Toronto to see a friend.

Favorite book?
The Call of the Wild. Or anything Vonnegut.

What is your favorite website(s) ?        
The Oatmeal, followed closely by Etsy. Or any fabric website.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Not really. I did trip over Andrew Gaze’s foot in a food court once, but to be fair he takes up a lot of space.  Funny!!!