Name: Mrs L Cards
Based: Whitley Bay
Website: http://mrslcards.com
Mrs L Cards initially began as a hobby after I developed a small range of cards in 2010 while working full time as a graphic designer.
In 2011 I applied to join Notonthehighstreet.com, which despite only accepting 20% of applicants, took on Mrs L Cards on the basis of four designs I provided. I built my own website and set up social media accounts to promote Mrs L Cards.
After I was made redundant from my full-time job in 2012, my goal was to succeed with Mrs L Cards as my full-time career.
In March 2013 I was awarded the #SmallBusinessSunday award from Theo Paphitis. In November 2013 I won the award for Best Home-Based Business at the North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, an annual event that recognises, rewards and promotes the achievements of women in business in the North East. Both awards resulted in a lot more exposure for Mrs L Cards, plus local and national press recognition.
I now have a freelancer who works three days a week to help with the day-to-day running of the business, and have a further two freelancers that I use on an ad hoc basis. Due to the online nature of the business orders come in from across the globe.
Turnover has grown from £50,000 for the year to the end of 2013 to £85,000 in the year ending 2014.
Carol Lewcock is the owner of Mrs L Cards
