The HTF Hot Seat: FromLucy

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Lucy Tapper at FromLucy.

I’m known on hardtofind for my… illustrated personalised gifts for all the family, including the ever-popular ‘The Day You Were Born’ book!

Right now I’m inspired by… whatever’s in my head! I try and be as original as possible. We’re constantly bringing out new products that are normally developed from an idea I’ve had sitting under a tree at the bottom of my garden (or sometimes in the middle of the night!).

My favourite part of the making process is… the original sketches in my sketchbook. I’m trying to keep my work ethic old school and originate to my sketch book. My two illustrators love working straight from the iPad, but us Generation X’s aren’t up to speed with that just yet!

I work from… a small studio in Tavistock, Devon with my wonderful team of creatives.

A typical day for me involves… getting up with my two gorgeous girls and husband, doing the school run, then heading into work. I try and keep my work hours between 9am-3pm, and then any time at home is strictly family time – although I am prone to sneaking my sketch book out if me and my husband, Steve, are watching TV in the evening!

My proudest business moment was… receiving an order from The Royal Family! Our ‘The Day You Were Born’ print is proudly hanging in HRH Prince George’s and HRH Princess Charlotte’s nurseries. There are SO many proud moments, but this one tops it all.

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… it’d be such a long process! I wouldn’t change anything for the world, but it’s taken me 10 years to get where I am today. With every success I reach, I create another goal.

I’d describe my personal style as… quirky and traditional. My little cottage is small and cosy, whereas my illustrating style is super personal. All of the patterns used for the illustrations throughout our personalised books are scans of my daughters’ clothes!

My last purchase was… a real life hedgehog! I’ve wanted a hedgehog ever since I was little, even more so since we created and published ‘Hedgehugs’, and we finally caved and bought one. Hattie will be joining our family very soon.

The first thing I do when I wake up is… TEA. The stereotypical Brit will give you this answer every time (or coffee!) but a cup of tea is the best way to start a day. Fact.

The motto I live by is… ‘You only get one chance at life so make the most of it. It’s better to say “oh well” than “what if” – you may end up saying “oh wow!”.

I’m hoping 2019 will bring… more success! I want this business to be the best it can possibly be, not only for myself but for my wonderful team.

Everything tastes better with a little… tea. Always tea. Lots and lots of it.