Freedom Making Furniture - Interview with Lucy Turner

Transition Tradition speaks to self-employed furniture designer Lucy Turner to get the lowdown on what it’s really like to run your own creative business.

Lucy graduated in 3D design from the University of Plymouth in 2004. She went on to have her manhole over bath mat design licensed to SUCK UK and obtained a placement at University College Falmouth through a Crafts Council / Arts Council scheme. There, she was able to access business training, facilities, grants, mentoring and opportunities to exhibit. In Sept 2006 she renovated an old electrical shop to become a studio and shop in Penryn, which opened as ‘Higher Market Studio’ in May 2007.

Higher Market studio specialises in bespoke eco friendly design. Once loved furniture is given a new face-lift with individual designs and contrasting colours. Pieces range from small coffee tables to large sideboards and cabinets for interior spaces, commercial and domestic. Commissions are taken on furniture.

Lucy has been featured in The Telegraph weekend magazine, The Guardian, Elle Decoration and Grand designs. She has exhibited at the Chelsea Craft Fair in London, the Milan Furniture Fair, and New Designers in Islington.

Lucy describes the experience of running her own business as a varied one, with incredibly hard work, long hours and frequent ups and downs.

“Initially I was excited by the prospect of having control, although this was combined with fear and uncertainty about how the business would work”.

However, she has been overwhelmed by the amount of public interest in her work and been lucky enough to find immense support from family, friends, local people and local authorities.

“Even though I had such a great deal to learn, I found that help is out there if you know where to look”.

I’m sure many people would love to be their own boss. As Lucy herself says, the great things about this are that you can work to your own time scales and make things like tea and radio essential aspects of your working day! She loves the freedom of being able to wear whatever she wants, and enjoys the buzz of success that she knows she has earned.

“I have a real sense of pride in my work and a feeling of satisfaction that comes from working for myself.”

However, she doesn’t neglect the value of meeting others, and makes time to network and share ideas.

Obviously, working for yourself has its disadvantages too. For Lucy, it means that she has to solve any problems herself, as well as deal with any criticism and she is also faced with an unstable income.

“I need to be constantly motivated, and sometimes the pressure puts strain on relationships and my spare time outside of work.”

In terms of what the future holds, she can see the business still being small, but building up a good and respectable reputation.

“I would like an extra hand and more space. Generally, I’m happy with the way things are going, but some extra cash for a holiday or two might also be nice!”

Lucy offers the following advice for aspiring self-employed creatives:

• If you are dying to do it then go for it. It’s better to try it out than regret not having a go
• Look for help along the way. There are all kinds of funding and business skills resources out there
• Approach another business in the same field for advice
• Find a mentor
• Don’'t wait around for help with funding too much, all the paperwork can put you off. Some savings can start you off, and you can find more funding along the way
• Dont be shy to tell the media. Press coverage can transform your business
• Have faith and pride in what you do
• Learn to switch off. If you’re having a bad day, do something completely different so that you can return to work refreshed

For more information about Lucy and Higher Market Studio go to:
http://www.highermarketstudio.co.uk/ or email lucy@highermarketstudio.co.uk