Small Business Life…
Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. I thought I’d use this space to share a little more about me, my journey as a graphic designer, and how I got to where I am today – juggling two creative businesses that I absolutely love.
So, where did it all begin? I graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2013 with a degree in Graphic Design – but even before I threw that cap in the air, I’d already landed my first design job. I was lucky enough to start out as an assistant graphic and packaging designer for a cosmetics company. This was my first real glimpse into the design industry, and honestly, I was hooked from the get-go. I loved the variety – one day I’d be mocking up packaging for one brand, the next I’d be pitching ideas for another. It was fast-paced, creative, and I learnt so much.
After a year, I made the decision to move closer to home and took on the role of sole graphic designer for a French vintage home décor company. It was a family-run business and I wore a lot of hats – from designing printed catalogues and updating web graphics to doing all the product styling and in-house photography. I even dabbled in product development and worked directly with factories on manufacturing! It was such a hands-on role and gave me a huge appreciation for the many layers involved in bringing a brand to life.
But I always had my eye on one particular company. I knew I wanted to design greeting cards – and when a role came up working on licensed products (including the dreamiest of dreams: Disney), I went for it. And got it! I ended up working there for nearly a decade, designing cards that made people smile – a job that combined creativity, storytelling, and all the things I love about design. It was a dream come true.
But even while I was living that dream, I couldn’t shake the itch to create something that was 100% mine. Enter: Rocky’s Pet Products.
Rocky is my French Bulldog, my sidekick, and basically the heart behind this little business. I’ve always loved it when friends or family gifted me something with Rocky in mind – and that gave me the spark of inspiration to launch a pet-focused product line. I started off making handmade dog accessories (because who doesn’t love a stylish pooch?), but I quickly realised that what I loved most was the making part. So I leaned into that joy and created the “Make Your Own Dog Lead” DIY Crafting Kit – complete with easy-to-follow online tutorials – along with other make-it-yourself pet accessories that are fun, functional, and super cute.
The response to Rocky’s Pet Products, especially around Christmas 2024, was incredible – so much so that I decided to take the leap and pursue entrepreneurship full time.
But something interesting happened along the way. As I immersed myself in the small business world (especially over on Instagram), I noticed a pattern. So many amazing brands and brilliant makers... but so many of them didn’t have a clear story. And when you don’t have a strong brand narrative, it’s so much harder for people to connect, remember, and ultimately support what you’re doing.
That’s when Renard & Fable was born – a creative studio where I now help thoughtful founders build brands with personality and purpose. Whether someone’s just starting out or looking to rebrand something they’ve outgrown, I love being part of that process. From logos and colour palettes to visual storytelling and brand strategy, I get to do what I love most: bring stories to life through design.
So, whether you're curious to see my design work or want to check out the branding magic behind Rocky’s Pet Products, I’d love for you to take a look:
👉 www.rockyspetproducts.co.uk
Thanks for reading my story – and if you’re a small business looking to stand out with a brand that really feels like you, let’s chat!