A little about me.

As a child I had pieces of paper everywhere covered in drawing of clothes. I never made any of them but I had endless ideas and I loved designing. Looking back, it was probably a sign of things to come.

Design has been part of my world for as long as I can remember. I did A levels in art and textiles, studying 3D Design and Jewellery at UCLan and have since added a diploma in both marketing and graphic design. Now I'm turning that lifelong passion into a business, and I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.

From jewellery maker to brand designer

For several years I ran Lalou Designs, my own handmade jewellery business. I stocked pieces in local shops and sold through Etsy, and I did everything myself. The designing, the making, the photographing, the marketing, all of it.

Running your own business teaches you a lot. One of the biggest things I learned is that brand and marketing almost always end up at the bottom of the to-do list. Not because you don't care, but because there are only so many hours and your product or service has to come first.

I get that. I've been there. And it's exactly why I set up Laura Hatchard Design, to help independent businesses build a brand they're genuinely proud of, one that reflects the care and quality behind everything they do.

When I'm not designing.

I'm a huge country music fan and you'll find me at concerts whenever I can get there. I also line dance, which I love unashamedly, and I'm a Disney obsessive who absolutely loves the theme parks.

When I'm not singing along at a gig, I love craft markets, antique centres and anywhere I can find interesting design. I do cross stitch, embroidery and go to a craft group once a month to try new creative techniques. Basically if it involves making something or finding something beautiful, I'm interested.