I’ve always been a hands-on person. If I’m not making something, I’m learning a new skill. There’s just something about working with my hands that feels right. Sitting down with a book? Not so much.
At school, I struggled with anything that involved book work, but the moment a lesson became practical, I was always getting involved. That’s why I loved college so much. Training as a chef gave me the freedom to be creative through cooking, and that same passion carried through to my first job in a kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something amazing.
Then lockdown hit. Like so many others, I suddenly found myself at home with nothing to do. I couldn’t work as a chef, and I needed something to keep me busy. So, I started crafting.
I taught myself how to sew, experimenting with different fabrics and ideas, mainly making face masks to donate. I even tried making candles, but to be honest, it wasn’t really my thing! Then I started making personalised keychains and had the idea to create even more custom pieces. I went as far as designing a business name and logo to sell on Etsy, but something just didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel like me or show anyone who I really was. Deep down, I knew I wanted to create something that truly reflected who I am, and that’s when I found Wonky Pheasant.
But if I’m honest, it took me a while to build up the courage to actually sell my work. For the longest time, I worried it wasn’t good enough, so I stuck to making pieces for friends and family as Christmas and birthday presents. The idea of putting my creations out there at craft fairs, shows, and even online felt daunting. What if no one liked them? What if no one bought anything?
But eventually, in 2021, I took the leap and I’ve never looked back. I’m not going to say it’s been easy, but it’s been an incredible journey. Seeing people appreciate and connect with my work has made it all worth it.
The heart of Wonky Pheasant isn’t just about making it’s about the countryside. I grew up in rural Norfolk, where my dad works as a gamekeeper for a small, family-run shoot. For as long as I can remember, I spent my winters on the beaters’ cart, wrapped up in layers, surrounded by dogs, flags, and good company. And summers were spent helping my dad wash and mend feeders, build pens, and get everything ready for the next season. Those days inspired in me a deep love for country life, and that same love is what I try to capture in every piece I create.
What started as a way to pass the time quickly became a passion. The more I created, the more ideas I had, and before I knew it, Wonky Pheasant was born. It wasn’t something I planned, but looking back, it was exactly what I needed. Crafting has always been part of who I am. I just needed the right mindset to build a small business that truly represents me.