Enterprise Nation

Rebecca Shreeve opened the doors to the "secret world of Quirkles", a textiles company, whilst still at university, creating creatures for kids from a bedroom in her parents' house. She tells us about her world and the world of Quirkles in this Q&A feature.

If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?!

No, of course not! I'm 23.

When did you start making Quirkles?

I began whilst on my degree for my final project, which I graduated from last year. Our theme was open so I chose to base mine around the title 'Secret Garden'. I knew all through my degree I wanted to create creatures so when it came to choosing my own brief Quirkles were born!

When did making Quirkles become a business?

I was exhibiting and selling Quirkles right from July 2007 when I graduated at the same time as doing a work placement. I think in my mind it became a business at the beginning of this year as I began doing it full time.

Are you working on the business full time at the moment (or do you have a day job too?)

Yes, I am working on it full time at the moment although I have been doing some freelance work for Jellycat as well. I am also working on my own craft book with Anova books.

Do you make the Quirkles from a particular room in your parents house?

I wish I had a work room or a studio but I make all my Quirkles from my own bedroom or the lounge at the moment! It is quite difficult trying to contain the mess I make whilst creating!

How long does it take to make a Quirkle?

The Quirkles vary in time but I would say roughly 3 to 4 hours not including printing my own fabric.

How are you promoting yourself?

The main way I have been promoting myself is attending various exhibitions since I graduated which has helped gained a lot of interest. Also I won an award last year at New Designers which really helped in my promotion as I have been a quite a few magazines and two newspapers. I also have my work in some online shops who do their own promotion which obviously helps me.

I spend quite a bit of time emailing and writing to small shops and galleries as well as sending out a regular update to contacts I have picked up from fairs and trade shows.

Are you selling Quirkles through shops, or do you plan to sell online?

I am selling through a few shops and galleries as well as selling through an online shop called All things original.com as well as having my own Etsy shop. I am also planning to update my site with prices and buying information to make it easier for people to buy.

Did you ever think you would be your own boss?

No never! I never really planned to be as my Dad is his own boss and it seemed quite stressful! but it is a completely different business and mine is obviously just me at the moment so although it can be stressful on the whole it is still very enjoyable! I always thought I would become a teacher or work for a large design company, I would have found it very hard to give up Quirkles though!

Have your parents helped you out? Or brothers and sisters?

My parents have helped me out a lot! They have supported me completely and they are happy about me living at home for now. They also come and help me set up exhibitions all around the country and lend me money so I can take part. Without them I am not sure if Quirkles would have been possible!

What are your plans for the business over the next 6 months?

My main aim within the next 6 months is to find a publisher for a story book I have written involving the Quirkles characters. I also hope to attend a fair or show near Christmas. I want to publicise my new creatures more too as well as make more accessories like bags and cushions.

What one piece of advice would you offer to someone leaving University who wants to start their own business?

I am not sure about other businesses but for a Business similar to mine involving products I think promotion is the most important thing. I would say my main piece of advice would be to keep yourself out there from your degree show. Keep doing exhibitions and shows and most importantly follow up every opportunity you are offered and if at all possible never turn anything down!

Rebecca Shreeve talks to Emma Jones

• Quirkles