Vivid Stash

In the Shop Window, an interview with Lisa of Vivid Stash, Hamilton

Your business in a nutshell – I design cross stitch patterns and kits for lovers of bold colour and humour.

Best seller – Harris the Highland Cow Encircled has been my best seller since he launched in February 2023, so many people are in love with his face and the Stash Tartan colours. My favourite, although hard to pick, might be Lady Splash. She is a larger design that shows a lady diving into water and bold colours burst upwards with the words “make a splash”. She’s gorgeous!

Business Name – I knew my designs were bright and I love strong colours clashing so the word Vivid came to mind. Often times stitchers call their accessory box their Stash. The idea of something secret that you’re always adding to, sometimes hiding good stuff in appealed. So coupled with how easy the words are to spell, in case of online errors, and there being no similar company, Vivid Stash was created.

What draws people to your work? – The colours are the first comment I usually get, how bright and uplifting they are. Previous collections have focused on motivation and celebration of our hobbies, so I’m often told how the subject speaks to people. Customers have said they appreciate the originality of the designs, and that once completed another is needed. Stitching can be quite addictive.

Best/worst things about self-employment – Best – It’s great to able to make my own schedule and work around my family. I definitely work longer hours than ever and struggle to stop working because there’s always something to be done. Yet it’s like my baby so it’s all worth it.

Worst – Working for yourself can be quite isolating. So much time is spent glued to a screen and the labour involved in making each kit is very high. Each component takes time to make, then gather and individually add. Luckily I don’t mind such tasks because I know the customer opening that kit will appreciate the effort as everything is ready for them to stitch straight away. So it’s a sew-saw of emotion!

With hindsight, what would you tell yourself? – I did so much research before I launched my business, lots of courses and planning to get myself probably established first. No matter how much hard work you think it will be- it’s harder. But you have to remember to look after yourself. I have slammed into burn out several times by working non stop. So make sure to step away regularly.

Shops that stock Vivid Stash – I am very proud to be stocked in a variety of shops. Maisie and Mac and Dunrobin Castle placed orders before even seeing me at my first trade show which gave me a massive confidence boost. My kits are also available in Crafty Wee Pie Tillicoultry, Gallery in the Fort Fort William, Cuillin Crafts Portree, Starfish Studio Johnshaven, Gibbles Anstruther, Daisy Cheynes Edinburgh, Scottish Design Exchange Edinburgh, Eilean Donan Castle, Arran Gift Shop, Old Waiting Room Gallery Colonsay, Little Thistle Glenrothes, Momento Gifts, The Wee Craft Shop Largs, Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society Glasgow, Amy’s Place Skye, The Longship Orkney, Stitches, Emily Joyce Designs Isle of Wight, Dancing Thistle Gift and Gallery, Morgan McVeighs Insch, Dunblane Museum, Calzeat and Roaring Stag Ballater!

Other small businesses you admire and buy from – I know some fantastic fellow makers that make some incredible products, like Katherine from Braw Artworks, Nicole from Nicole’s Jungle and Victoria from Emily Joyce Designs– all running amazing businesses.

Podcasts while I work – Diary of a CEO, Stephen Bartlett

Favourite Scottish restaurants/pubs – Chocolat Blanc, Hamilton

Best Scottish celebrity – Shirley Henderson

Best Scottish film – Low Winter Sun

Do you believe in Nessie – Of course!