Surrey Homes | SH18 | April 2016 | Garden supplement inside

Introducing...
Happy & Glorious
Kate Tompsett tells us how her passion for creativity,
as well as her love of retail and customer service
inspired her to start her own business.
What’s the significance of your company name,
‘Happy & Glorious’?
The idea for Happy & Glorious came to me
in 2012, the year of the Olympics and the
Jubilee. There was a real sense of excitement
and optimism in the air and I heard an
announcer on the radio say the words ‘Happy
& Glorious’, which to me, summed up
everything that we should aspire to be in life!
What inspired you to start your
business?
As a huge fan of Mary Portas, I watched her
Bottom Line programme, about the decline
of British manufacturing. The effect that
regenerating the manufacturing industry can
have on entire communities is enormous.
Being a farmer’s daughter, my father told me
the importance of buying British wherever possible. His values had
a long-term impact, so my new shop is in Ashford – a Portas Pilot
regeneration town. Everything really feels as if it is coming together.
Have you always been a creative person?
I have always enjoyed making things with fabric, paint or paper, and
as a child was always creating something. I love photography and
drawing and am working to improve these skills as I design more of
my own products.
Did you have training?
I worked in a beautiful shop in Cranbrook for many years, which
instilled my love of retail and taught me a huge amount about
customer service, visual merchandising and hard work. Since setting
up business I’ve had training in marketing and exhibiting, social
media management, buying and visual merchandising. I received
mentoring from Jo Wynn-Carter, Ashford Borough Council’s
Regeneration Manager in 2014, and she’s still an invaluable source
of inspiration and guidance. My business coach, Will Aylward has a
wonderful knack for untangling my brain and keeping me on track.
What influences your product aesthetic?
H&G products are pretty, feminine, and colourful, with a little twist
of fun and silliness. I love spots, stripes, botanicals, birds and wildlife,
so these all feature heavily. I’m inspired by my mother’s beautiful,
quirky garden. Recoloured photographs of it feature on many of my
products and it makes a fabulous backdrop for product images.
Why did you open your shop in Ashford?
Ashford was awarded a Portas Pilot grant to regenerate the town and
there have been huge improvements. I took part in PopUp Britain
in 2014, and heard that Ashford Borough Council had bought Park
Mall with the aim of filling it with independent businesses.
How do you choose and
source or make your
products?
My designs usually start with
a doodle or photograph. I
dedicate a time slot every week
for creativity, which is helpful
and enjoyable. Once I have a
design, I enhance it digitally,
decide what products it would
work on, and make it myself
or source a manufacturer. I look for products that are made to last.
British products are a little more expensive but I feel it’s important to
ensure that they are great quality.
What’s your favourite product from your collection?
I only sell what I love! From my own range, I’m most proud of my
blue and white floral mugs. I love the design and it was a huge step
for my business as I had to place a substantial order with a Stoke-on-
Trent pottery to make them cost effective. My other favourite picks
are the redcurrant & ginger reed diffusers, porcelain bottles, and the
exquisite prints by Louise Pettifer, my lovely talented friend who was
Artist in Residence at Sissinghurst Castle in 2015.
Do you enjoy working for yourself?
I love it and can’t imagine going back. Having the autonomy to
make decisions, plan promotions and implement strategies creates
a freedom that is difficult to emulate when employed. There’s so
much to do, but I structure my week carefully. I’m fortunate to have
supportive family and friends who let me ‘talk shop’ for hours and
help out with every aspect of the business. Looking at my little shop
gives me a sense of achievement. It’s a dream 20 years in the making.
Clockwise from above, ‘Allium Seedheads’ Print, £70; Ashford
Retail Shop; Set of Four Blue Silhouette Flower Mugs, £9 each
www.wealdenfairs.com/happyandglorious