Business name: More Than Words (Lisa Long Designs Ltd)
Based: Maidenhead
Website:www.morethanwords.uk.com
Person nominated: Lisa Long, creative director
Five years ago, Lisa Long had a dream about setting up a business that she’d want to jump out of bed for every morning.
After both of her children arrived prematurely, the main thing she wanted was a job that would allow her to be around for their younger years.
While on maternity leave, she resigned from her full-time role at BP and took a punt. At the time, there was nothing like bespoke ‘word art’ on the market. In fact, it all happened by accident when she created a piece to decorate her own home. It was a canvas filled with all of the family’s favourite memories, and she decided tout her creation to friends – it was a hit.
Then came the sweat and tears, around nap times and nappies, needed to launch a brand and build the dream. More Than Words was born.
Five years on, we have a fabulous design team of local women and a little shelf of awards including Mumpreneur UK 2014.
Long’s work has featured in mainstream TV and press. She has celebrity clients, a five-star feedback rating and work decorating hotels and department stores such as Selfridges.
Initially, it was hoped that Lisa wouldn’t have to return to her original career if she could reach £500 per month in sales. Her turnover last year was £500,000 – a huge success.
