MADE IN WILTSHIRE
CELEBRATING ALL THINGS MADE OR DESIGNED IN WILTSHIRE
Our county is home to a diverse and talented range of home-grown businesses, artisans, artists and makers. From companies making waves across tech sectors to cottage industries pivoting in response to the pandemic, our home-grown talent is something to be proud of. Here, The Business Exchange celebrates just a few of the promising Wiltshire companies and individuals to look out for.
The Just Trying To Get By Studio
Established: June 2020 Location: Trowbridge Sector: Art Owner: Sam Beer
About: The Just Trying To Get By Studio( TJTTGBS) was started by Sam as a way of turning his hobby and passion into his livelihood.
TJTTGBS sells abstract art across the world to people who are looking for something different. From physical pieces such as paintings, soft furnishings or ceramic tile designs, through to digital artworks sold on the blockchain as Non-Fungible Tokens( NFTs), the Studio’ s diverse portfolio has earned a loyal and growing fanbase.
Sam Beer, Founder, said …“ With nothing to lose and with everything to gain during the pandemic, I took the
The Secret Tea Party
opportunity to reflect on my skill set. I identified what I wanted to do, what would make me happy and, more importantly, what I wanted to achieve.
“ Being creative genuinely makes me happy. I love abstract art and with that in mind I decided to open my own studio and pursue a career in something I enjoy doing.
“ In terms of the physical pieces, I create artworks by pouring paint through a variety of tools onto a canvas or ceramic tile. This process creates unique patterns which I photograph as they reveal themselves, before blending or merging them into another. I repeat this step until I have the effect I’ m after.
“ In addition, I use the photographs to create digital artworks, textures or patterns which can then be used for printing.
“ The aim of my work is to evoke an evolved state of pareidolia for my audience to enjoy. Extracting the infinite out of the finite, as they say.”
For more info: www. justtryingtogetby. com
Established: 2012 Location: Bradford on Avon Sector: Catering, parties & events Owner: Catherine Stokes
About: The Secret Tea Party has been running‘ real-life’ vintage afternoon tea parties at weekends since 2012, mostly for hen parties. When the pandemic hit, cancelling events large and small, the business had to adapt to survive.
In May last year, Catherine started offering afternoon tea delivery boxes in Bradford on Avon, Bath, Frome and surrounds – and the move has proved to be a resounding success!
The business delivers good-quality, traditional home-baking at an affordable price, all packaged in a compostable box tied with a hessian ribbon.
Catherine Stokes, Founder, said ….“ Initially this was a means to survive the pandemic- I had to pay the rent! My usual income is generated by events( I run the
Bath Artisan Market and Abbey Quarter Market as well as organising vintage tea parties at weekends). Things became quite nerve-wracking financially for me during lockdown, especially at the beginning.
“ I could also see that people really wanted to have afternoon tea delivered and it was something I could provide, so I went for it. I received so many lovely messages of thanks about how it has really cheered people up during a tough time, so it’ s been a joy to be able to make a living while making people happy too. Win-win.
“ Initially I had a lot of people outside of Bradford on Avon sending their loved ones of all ages the gift of afternoon tea; I’ ve had people as far away as Australia, the USA and New Zealand order! At the same time, people living in Bradford on Avon have heard about me and ordered for themselves or family.
“ As the restrictions are lifting, I am now having more requests for larger deliveries for people planning parties at home, so the business is developing a catering arm in addition to the gift delivery side.”
For more info: www. secretteaparty. com
22 www. tbeswindonandwilts. co. uk