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Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards: Sarah’s knits
What would you like to tell people about yourself and your business?
I'm Sarah and I founded The Knit Lounge after deciding to leave my career and start on a new adventure doing something I feel truly passionate about – running an independent yarn store!
When I learnt to knit as an adult something clicked and I became addicted. There's rarely a day that goes by where I don't do at least a few rows or rounds, but most of the time I'm squeezing in as much knitting time as possible. There's something transformative and meditative about knitting. It brings us to the present, it gives us space to clear our heads or to work through any tough or uncomfortable feelings. It gives us a flexible mind, one that's keen to learn and try new things and one that's resilient too. It’s taught me to not be such a perfectionist, to not worry and give it a go (something that I was never able to do before, always being scared to start in case I wasn't perfect straight away).
It's more than just knitting, it's all the friends I've made, all the wonderful and inspiring shops I have visited, all the amazing classes I've been to and all the new things each garment I've made has taught me that has led me to this point. I'm truly passionate about sharing all that with others and showing everyone the real value and power of craft.
What led you to apply for a 2023 Helen Barrett Bright Ideas award?
When I was setting up the business and looking to fund the shop, I happened to see on the Trust’s social media pages that there was an award available for people with CF who wanted to start their own business. The timing, business idea and need aligned!
How does working for yourself help you balance work and your CF?
CF has always been unpredictable. The changes in care over the last five or so years have been incredible and my health has never been more stable, but it’s still a balance. There are still times when I need to pay a bit more attention to my health and treatments.
I've had some brilliant and compassionate bosses in the past, who couldn’t have been more supportive, but there is always that nagging feeling that you are letting someone down and have to hurry up and get back to work. Sometimes the guilt would lead to stress, which of course hampered my recovery. Working for myself means I'm not part of a team or group and my illness or absence only affects me, and for me that is much less daunting.
There's also the bonus of being able to work when you can. The regular 9–5 just doesn't work well sometimes. Mornings were always hard. All the treatment and medication to be fitted in before heading off to work was a huge pressure and I was always in a rush. Now I can start a little later and take more time if I need it. I'm also a night owl and feel my best from about 4pm till the wee hours! The opposite of a normal workday!
What do you think the benefits of self-employment are?
For the first time, I'm able to control and direct what I do and when I do it. I'm having fun and I'm learning a lot. Every day is different and answering just to myself feels very freeing.
What might the challenges be for your business?
I think all start-ups face the same challenges. With everything from electric to paper to food costing more all the time, running a business with healthy profit margins is becoming an increasing challenge. CF comes with its own additional costs plus no sick pay. For a physical shop like mine, competing with big online stores like Amazon is also a huge obstacle.
What are you going to use the grant money for?
The grant money has enabled me to have the front of the shop painted and hire a traditional sign painter to put my logo and shop name above the door but also as a mural inside the shop.
What are your future plans for your business?
The current focus of the business is building up our online presence and following and reaching a wider audience by selling and shipping (hopefully) worldwide. My vision for The Knit Lounge is to have an inclusive space with regular knit nights, classes for a whole range abilities and crafts, and to encourage people to try something new and push their skills.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for an Award?
Do it! It can only lead to good things. Even if I hadn’t been awarded the prize, the feedback on my ideas and business plans were so valuable.
Where can people find out more about your business?
You can find us on our website at www.theknitlounge.com and via Instagram and Facebook. You can also send us an email or sign up for our newsletter at [email protected].
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
The Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards are available for anyone with CF over the age of 18 to help support your dream career or hobby. Whatever you need to make your lightbulb moment a reality, a Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Award can help you on your way.