Craft brand reaches 30 franchise milestone

A Newcastle-based craft business is expanding its national footprint as demand grows for personalised keepsakes and family-focused products.

Popolo Ceramico has launched its 30th franchisee, extending its reach into South Durham. 

Founded 16 years ago by Christina Chisholm Taylor, the business has evolved from a home-based venture into a network spanning 64 territories across the UK.

Specialising in baby hand and footprint impressions, 3D castings and personalised ceramics, the brand has built a loyal customer base seeking meaningful, handcrafted items to mark life’s milestones.

Christina, who launched the business shortly after the birth of her daughter, said: “Fifteen years ago, I was working in a demanding corporate project management role, regularly working 60-plus hours a week. 

“When I had my daughter, everything changed. 

“I started capturing her tiny hand and footprints in paint, clay and plaster – and friends began asking me to create keepsakes for them too.”

Franchising began in 2016 with a pilot franchisee in Headingley and has since accelerated, driven by demand from families relocating and looking to access the same services in new areas. 

Christina added: “We didn’t have formal contracts at first – it was very much a test. She used our branding, our processes and our product range, and it worked brilliantly. 

“That gave me the confidence to roll out regionally and then nationally.”

The latest franchise launch by Cheryl Armstrong in South Durham has already seen strong demand, highlighting continued appetite for the brand’s offering.

Alongside physical expansion, the business is exploring international growth opportunities in Australia and Dubai, as well as developing its digital platform to reach customers beyond its franchise network.

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