What a year 2020 has been. So terribly hard for all of us in so many ways. Communication and technology has never been so vital to our lives and livlihoods. Which got me thinking… what if you would like to stay in touch with all the exciting news here at Yarn for the Soul, but do not use Facebook or Instagram?! So here I am. Writing a blog. I have always had the intention of doing this, but today seems to be the day.
Yarn for the Soul was initially run from a little two up two down cottage, my home, in Warminster. After almost two years of what really couldn’t be called anything other than a Cottage Industry it was time to find more space at home for the children and find a space in which the business could grow. And grow it has done.
In the next few blog posts I am going to talk about my role with the Australian Bushfire charity and the journey that took me on followed by the renovation of the shop premises. Firstly though, I would like to celebrate with you all. This year has seen a few ‘wins’ I Would like to share.
Back in August I was given the exciting news by Southern Enterprise Awards that I had been nominated by customers for an award. Yarn for the Soul was awarded the title of Best Specialist Arts and Crafts Business in the South 2020. Wow!! I was thrilled to bits and it was just what the doctor ordered after a few very concerning months of National Lockdown.
The year progressed with days merging into weeks which then turned into months before our eyes until November happened and I was contacted by Let’s Knit Magazine and told that Yarn for the Soul had been given another award!
The British Knitting and Crochet Awards are recognised as the most prestigious awards in the Industry. What makes them special is that they are voted on by you, the consumer. In order to be shortlisted a business needs to have received enough nominations. I was blown away, but also up against four very strong competitors. Votes were collected and counted and along with a Winner, there are two High Commended certificates awarded – Yarn for the Soul was awarded Highly Commended in the category of Best Independent Yarn Shop in the South West. Considering the shop is still in its’ infancy this is such a huge honour. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. It is true what they say about business owners doing happy dances (although my daughters do keep telling me that my happy dance is terribly embarassing!)
Yesterday I had a phone call from Prestige Awards who told me that Yarn for the Soul had been nominated by customers again and had won the award Best Yarn Company in Central England! Amazing. Incredible. I still can’t quite believe that YFTS is loved so much by others as much as it is by me. It truly is my Happy Place and I look forward to welcoming visitors into the shop every day.
Time to sign off now and do the school run…. but if you happen to be in Warminster tonight, I will be back here and open again between 5 and 7 pm with Christmas Music and a cheery smile to greet you.
Much love, Katie
