The Story Behind Bluebellgray With Textile Designer Fiona Douglas

#038 - Textile designer Fiona Douglas shares her small business journey, from studying at Glasgow Art School to setting up her business Bluebellgray in 2009. She now offers a full range of homeware including fabric, bedding, wallpaper, rugs and tableware, all in her signature colourful, handpainted, watercolour style.From an early age, Fiona was creative and obsessed by flowers. At secondary school, her art teacher saw something in her and encouraged her creativity. Aged 17, she decided to go to Florence for a month to take life drawing lessons. And on returning to Scotland, she realised that she definitely wanted to pursue art as a career. She applied to Glasgow Art School and was accepted into the Fine Art Department. However, she later discovered her love for print and changed to studying textiles. She went on to work for a textile company. Then in 2009, encouraged by her husband, she decided to set up Bluebellgray. She began with six floral cushions and started to attend shows. In addition to the floral designs, she also experimented with abstract designs. And she started creating fabric, bedding, rugs, wall art, ceramics, wallpaper and bags. Collaborations with Ercol, Dualit and MT Masking Tape have also taken place. Fiona talks through the process of creating her designs from painting the flowers using liquid watercolours to the design appearing on her textiles. Opening her shop in Glasgow in 2018 was a dream come true. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her business and on-going issues. Plans for the coming months include a rebrand, releasing her Christmas design Fa La La,  and a children's collection. Listening to this episode, you'll hear how passionate Fiona is about flowers and uplifting, modern prints adding joyful colour to your home. At the end of the podcast, you'll discover her practical tips, which I'm sure you'll find very inspiring. Show notes are available on the My Small Business & Me website: https://mysmallbusinessandme.com/episode38

Om Podcasten

Are you a budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration to start your very first business? Or do feel that your small business is in need of a little va-va-voom? Then this podcast is essential listening. It has two elements - on the one hand your SMALL BUSINESS and on the other, YOU. Firstly, your SMALL BUSINESS. Host Rona Wheeldon from Flowerona speaks to entrepreneurs who share insights into what it takes to run a successful, sustainable and profitable business. You’ll hear how their companies have grown from ideas to reality, the challenges encountered along the way and lessons learned.Industry experts in web design, branding, marketing, photography, social media and coaching also providing insights into how to maximise your potential and build your small business, making sure that you have the essential knowledge and tools you need to grow. Secondly, YOU, the owner. Rona speaks to specialists who can help you, both mentally and physically - from fear, confidence and time management to personal styling advice, meditation and aromatherapy - you’ll gain an insight into how to prioritise your well-being. There’s so much that goes into a successful, happy entrepreneur. And listening to this podcast will ensure that you’ve got all the bases covered, when it comes to both your small business and you. So, hit subscribe, settle down and be inspired…!