PARTNERS AND SPOUSES IN BUSINESS Creating Inspiration by Francesca Kemp and Kate Graham
Francesca Kemp, based at RAF Wyton with her husband and two children, is the founder of Crafty Revolution – a company that creates beautiful handmade gifts for children and the home.
“From cushions to bunting and from Tooth Fairy kits to kids’ t-shirts, you will find something quirky and original,” she states. “I offer bespoke services too, which includes items made for weddings,
birthdays or just something specially made for a loved one.” A
n eventful journey has led Francesca to where she is today. In her final year of a European business
technology degree, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, an experience that proved to be the toughest fight of her life. Displaying inspirational strength, Francesca defeated her illness and, following treatment, completed her degree.
Following the completion of her education, it became clear that Francesca had a talent for entrepreneurship; after her daughter’s birth, she set up a very successful HR consultancy business. However, a series of moves – a familiar scenario for military families – created complications. “It was really difficult to continue providing a service that needed me physically in the client’s office,” recalls Francesca. “The time was right to move into the craft sector and Crafty Revolution launched in June 2012 at the Shepperton Jubilee Fair.”
As Francesca found, life as a military spouse presents its share of challenges to a business owner. The regular moves can present an issue; while Francesca has been lucky so far,
the patchy broadband coverage on some bases could, as her business is primarily based online, prove problematic for her in the future. While relocation can be tricky, she manages to remain upbeat and optimistic. “Moving around so often does bring difficulties but I try and turn that around and work hard at keep the connections I made in one location and establish in the new location,” she says. “At the end of the day, I am making my business known in more counties!”
Business challenges naturally arise as a by- product of any given lifestyle, and military life is no exception to this. Francesca is also keen, though, to highlight the advantages of life on RAF bases; in particular, the sense of community. Members of the community, along with family and friends, were instrumental in the establishment of Crafty Revolution. Now, three years on, the networks provided by such communities provide customers and support – be it through the local HIVE, Christmas Fairs and base events, or through Facebook pages dedicated to military wives and partners.
Crafty Revolution continues to grow in success and reputation to this day, granting
Francesca valuable and memorable business opportunities. Last year, she remembers, was particularly exciting. Invited to Kirstie Allsopp’s The Handmade Fair as a Top 100 Crafter, she had the chance to speak to the woman herself. Towards the end of the year, Fran was even invited to Downing Street; her business had been selected as one of Small Business Saturday’s top 100 businesses!
These achievements culminated in Francesca being selected as a Small Business Saturday Champion, and she is thrilled to continue inspiring small business owners everywhere. She is currently providing this inspiration through her new business networking group for military wives – and she’d love to invite you along to join in, too.
Francesca’sbeautifulproductscan beviewedontheCraftyRevolution
website.Moredetailsofherbusiness networkinggroupformilitarywives, #MilitaryWivesinBiz,canbefoundon socialmedia.
www.craftyrevolution.co.uk www.facebook.com/craftyrevolution www.twitter.com/craftyrev;
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Envoy Autumn 2015
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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