An interview with maker Beau & Badger as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
I’m Emma and I create outspoken homeware using vintage china sourced for charities. Our most popular designs are a little sweary. I love the juxtaposition between the delicate vintage ceramics and the sweary words and phrases.
Where are you based?
In Bristol
Tell us a secret about you?
Some of our designs are hand painted. I paint the lettering upside down. I have no idea why, I just find it easier.
How do you make your work?
We source all of our vintage items from charities. Once we have sourced the items they are washed and checked for damage. I will then create a bespoke transfer which fits perfectly with the design of the original item. This is then applied by hand and left to dry. It will then be fired to ensure the design is permanent.
Describe your studio…
I work from my home studio where I decorate everything by hand. It is full to the brim with all of my vintage finds ready to decorate. It is decorated in our brand colours - pink and orange which bring me lots of joy.
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
The impact our business has on the environment is very important to me. We source all of our vintage items from a wide range of charities. We often buy items that are not in full sets which some charities have to dispose of because they don’t sell. The vintage china is also originally produced in the UK which reduces its carbon footprint.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
Upcycling a product that has already been produced extends its life and has a positive impact on the planet. Using a vintage piece in our designs not only creates something unique but also makes the perfect eco conscious gift. We have very little waste in the production process as the transfers are made to measure in house.
How and why did you start your small business?
I started my business when I was unable to continue my teaching career due to a disability. Having the flexibility of when I work has been life changing and I am able to fit my work around my disability. I have built the business up to what it is today and I couldn’t be more proud. The idea started when I made my mum an upcycled plate for her birthday. She loved it and suggested that I should start selling them. More sweary requests started to come in and I found my niche. Sweary vintage china.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
I also create sweary upholstered furniture that has been exhibited at the Fringe Arts Bath festival and the Frome Pride Exhibition.
One of our wall plates were featured in the guardian gift guide
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love that we support so many charities by sourcing all of our vintage from them. We spend 1000s of pounds each year with charities. I also love the community I have created around the business both customers and fellow makers. I love making things and the fact I can do it as my full time job fills me with so much joy.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
You are not only supporting the independent shop you are supporting all of the individual makers with their own unique stories. Being a disabled artist and stocking in a shop like prior has allowed me to do a job I love and am able to fit around my health full time. Something I never imagined was possible.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
I love Becks and her team at Priors passion for supporting small businesses. The support and advice has been invaluable. Prior was my first stockist and it has given me the confidence to approach new stockist and grow my business. I love that Prior has a shared passion for sustainability and that everything stocked there has been beautifully curated. They are well organised and I know exactly what I sell and when. This helps me to keep them stocked up with items. I love that my products are displayed well which encourages sales.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
I love the Bristol Soap Companies lavender and geranium natural soap bar. I use it when I feel I need a little self care and It smells divine.
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
I would love to be able to take on some employees to expand the business and create more products using vintage items. I would also love to dedicate time to creating larger unique statement furniture pieces that I show at art exhibitions.
View Beau & Badger's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
