LOVELLE LANE DESIGN

We got the pleasure to do an interview with Tamara Gleeson, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, what is her new business and how she has found building her business.

 Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do?

 Hi! I'm Tamara, I was born in London and moved to Lisburn in 2012. I graduated in 2018 from Ulster University where I studied Graphic Design and Illustration. I am starting up a stationery business called Lovelle Lane Design.

Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme?

I was in the process of starting my business and was looking for support. The Dig Deep Programme enticed me because the course provides an overall look at your business with creativity, business skills and self-care elements. One of my favourite things about the course is the group we have built, it’s been lovely to meet (virtually) a group of women who all are in the same position. Christine and Esther are angels who are a great support and have really helped me to stick to my goals and cheer me on.

 What is the new business that you have been developing?

 Lovelle Lane is a Wedding and Event stationery business. I love creating bespoke designs, from Save the Dates through to Thank You cards. I love getting to know people and what they envision their wedding or event to be like and create stationery that reflects them. It’s such an exciting time and a real privilege to be a part of.

 What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business?

 The hardest thing about owning your own business is juggling all the roles, I knew I would have to work hard on the designs when developing my business but there are so many other aspects. Admin, advertising, photography, styling! There so much to learn!

 How do you see your business developing in the future?

 I think the pandemic has really made people realise that we want to make the big moments in our lives special whether that be births, birthdays, weddings or occasions and celebrating those moments with the people we love around us. It’s the little details that make things special and I think that’s where I can help! I have loads of ideas to help make those moments memorable!

What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business?

 Before I started my business I thought I had to try and learn and figure everything out before putting myself out there but the programme has allowed me to organically grow my business which has really helped. Learning things as I go definitely feels more comfortable.

 What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme?

 At the start of the course, we explored goal setting and I found when I set myself small achievable goals I find it easier to get things done. I also think I can be quite hard on myself and expect to have more tasks completed but I definitely have been more consistent and ticking things off my list of things to do.

What/who influences/motivates you?

 I’m always doing research into Wedding Stationery and I am especially inspired by the wedding industry in Australia. They’ve beautifully captured modern simplistic design and moved away from over the top floral designs.

I think the biggest influences when creating the Wedding suites are definitely the people I am creating it for. When I design something that makes people happy I really feel a sense of accomplishment.

 What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business?

 The confidence I have gained and the value I now see in my work! There’s always room to improve but sometimes it takes you to stop and look at what you’ve achieved to realise how well you have done.

 What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months?

 I have discovered my niche and the style of work I like. I love playing with colours shapes, fonts and textures. I also feel like I am learning how to be adaptable, preparing for the unpredictable and thinking forward.

 What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021?

 In 2021 I will be creating more designs for my collection, keeping my eye on upcoming trends and adapting them to my skills. I’m always learning and I think in 2021 I will focus on enjoying the journey of having my own business. I also need to post more often on my social media and I am working on creating some interesting content!

 What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to believe in myself more and to stop caring about what other people think. It’s so normal to lack confidence and listen to negativity when your younger but having the skill to turn negativity into positivity is so powerful.

 Where can people find you online? ( Social media, website etc)

 You can find me @lovellelane on Instagram and Facebook or email me at tamara@lovellelane.com