Cornish Woman Finds Small Business Success in Tea Cosies
While many people dream of opening their own business and are constantly on the lookout for opportunities, Poppy Treffry was not one of them. Ms Treffry earned a degree in textiles and subsequently volunteered with craftswomen in Central America. While she was inspired by these budding entrepreneurs, she returned to the UK without any plans for the future.
To pass time, Ms Treffry made bags and tea cosies, mainly for friends and relatives. However, a friend felt that the products had real business potential and brought them to local Cornish galleries. That was the beginning of Poppy Treffry’s small business success story.
During this time, the government was heavily funding arts and crafts in Cornwall, and even employed a ‘crafts development officer’ who discovered Ms Treffry’s work. The officer contacted Ms Treffry and was adamant about her products’ potential. The process from artisan to small business owner began immediately. A workshop was found, and production started, the very next day. Trade shows became a primary means of marketing the products, because they offered a low cost opportunity to showcase the unique products to a wider audience. The uniqueness of the products also earned free advertisement via a small piece in a national newspaper. Although Ms Treffry initially subsidized her expansion with a Prince’s Trust loan and a part-time job, within eighteen months her business had become a full-time job.
One key part of the brand is its Cornish heritage, and the owner has strived to maintain that. While she was faced with the decision to outsource goods to lower cost producers in other countries, Ms Treffry felt that maintaining a unique UK heritage, as well as control over product quality, was a key part of the business’s future success. As a result, the goods are still made in an ever-growing workshop in Cornwall, overseen by Ms Treffry and her sister. A website has been professionally developed, and over 200 stores throughout the UK stock Poppy Treffry goods. International sales are also growing, with a customer base growing in Scandinavia and even the United States. Poppy Treffry brand stitchery books are now available, and a ceramics line is in development. A shop may be in the company future as well.
The Poppy Treffry logo design is a perfect embodiment of the brand. The name is hand-stitched onto a fabric label, with the words ‘Made in England’ prominently displayed below. Small buttons create accents. The logo design is simple, bright, and artisan quality, just like the products being offered. This bright and local feeling infuses the company and creates a brand that customers can believe in.
How can you find Poppy Treffry-type success? First, by choosing a business that is close to your heart. This passion will infuse the company with positive energy and inspire you to lead through difficult times. Second, turn to consultants where necessary. Ms Treffry began her business with a crafts officer advising every step of the way, and continues to have her website professionally designed and maintained. Last, differentiate yourself from your competition. While there are many tea cosies on the market, few have Poppy Treffry’s story and Cornish heritage.
