An online crafts trader from Whitehaven has described her delight at gaining admirers for her work from across the globe during lockdown.

Wendy Holmes, who runs Daisydoor Crafts, has been in the business of making personalised gifts for around 10 years.

“It started as a hobby when my youngest children were small and things just progressed from there, she said. “I initially made things for friends and family but over time, by word of mouth, my social media pages started to gain more attention and I started making things for newborns in the area and also for weddings.”

Wendy said that the business had been able to go from strength to strength over the past year.

“My business didn’t really have to change due to lockdown and in many ways, it feels well set up with things going so digital-based.

“I set about adding new pieces such as our ‘Pocket Hugs’, which ended up going all around the country, alongside our usual personalised gifts.

“In lockdown, everyone was in the same boat, stuck at home and I think it was nice for people who wanted to share a bit of love during that time. Thankfully, they’ve been really popular and I’m really grateful for the support.”

Wendy feels that online-based businesses are going to grow even more post-pandemic.

And her business page has started to gain attention from much further afield.

“I don’t have any overheads with a shop.," she said. "In an ideal world, joining the high street would be lovely but for now online trading has worked well for me and suits me as so many of my products are personalised.

“I’ve sent products internationally to places as far afield as Alaska and other places in America, which really shows the power of the internet for traders like me.”

That said, Wendy was quick to point out that support from local buyers was something she was eternally grateful for, with attractions such as Whitehaven’s Rum Story now stocking Daisydoor goods.

“The local support has been massive for me. It’s really important as most of my customers are local – repeat customers. Support from the likes of Rum Story shows how important it is becoming for local traders to support each other.

For now, Wendy remains set on adding new products to her range.

“I’m looking now at developing new products. Doing something I love has been so rewarding. It’s enabled me to spend more time with my children and do something I love.”