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December’s North East spotlight series: Cheryl Lumley

Next up in our festive feeature is Cheryl Lumley, owner of graphic design consultancy Copper Blue Creative and popular North East creative business All Round Creative Junkie.

Your Business

What were the highlights for your business in 2015?

I’ve had a huge year full of highlights. After quitting my job a year ago, I joined my husband as Creative Partner in his graphic design consultancy, Copper Blue Creative. I also started All Round Creative Junkie, under which I started upcycling workshops, filmed How To videos, created upcycled interiors and grew my blog of the same name. I think the main highlight for me though, has to be winning Blogger of the Year at the North East Blogger Awards hosted by O Communications. An amazing vote of confidence for me and proves to me I did the right thing in leaving my job.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?

I’m not sure I would have done anything differently, it’s been a monumental year for me. The only thing I should have done is give myself a little more time off. I am my own boss now after all.

Is there anything we should watch out for your company doing next year?

I’m starting the new year with DIY Wedding workshops at the UK wedding Show at the Metro Arena in Newcastle. My presenter debut of How To videos for Rust-oleum will go online early in 2016 with more to follow. I’m also hoping to run a stand at the Maker Faire again at Life, then later in the year I’d like to do something big with upcycling at the Festival of Thrift. I’m hoping my blog is going to grow even more in 2016 to inspire even more people to get creative.

Your favourites

Have any other North East companies impressed you this year, if so – why?

On a business front, we’ve recently joined Converge, a new business networking platform that has just launched, I’m really impressed with the fresh format of the group with networking online, in print and events, so I’m looking forward to seeing it grow next year.

On a creative front I love the work of couple of a local designer upcyclers. Stu-art Aviation Furniture takes reclaimed aircraft parts and creates the most amazing bespoke furniture, he’s sold his furniture to some very impressive people this year. Velo Culture, make gorgeous accessories from old bike inner tubes, they’ve really grown their business this year and it’s great to see upcyclers putting design on the map.

When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to destress?

I know I do it for a job but I do love painting furniture and crafting things, it’s a great way to destress and take my head away from everything else. Aside from that I love a good walk in the fresh air with my family. Gibside, Saltwell Park or the coast are regular weekend haunts for us.

Have any social media accounts caught your eye this year, any favourite pages or people to follow? (*cough* Bdaily *cough* *cough*)

Aside from Bdaily obviously, Jay & Co on instagram, twitter and facebook make some beautiful furniture and I love their daily Thought of the Day post, a very inspiring way to start the day. @GCorrighan and @JFSouthern on Instagram take some beautiful shots mostly on iphones, they both see the beauty in everything around us, both great designers to watch in 2016.

The what ifs

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

I’d love to work with Kevin McLoud or George Clarke one day. Failing that, I’d love to travel the world with my family in tow blogging about art and design.

If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Say yes to more things and don’t be afraid to give things a go. If they don’t work, then try something else, what’s the worst that can happen.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

More time to spend with my family. Lazy duvet days with dvd’s, books, board games and popcorn snuggling with my son all day.

Great stuff Cheryl, have a lovely Christmas from all at Bdaily.

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