MANTA MAKES LIMITED After starting the company from her dining room table in 2015, Samantha Riley aimed to create a business that could work alongside supporting her career in housing. The goal was for her husband to run the company in a shed and look after their children. The couple now have a unit in Ringwood, with a team of more than 20 making wedding décor and gifts eight years later. The business offers wedding guestbooks, save-the-date cards, and table décor such as numbers and place cards. The staff make everything on-site in the New Forest; they draw and print pieces in-house to offer quick delivery. Samantha says, “I love working out what we will make next, colour theory and design, illustrations and concepts. I don’t think I will ever not enjoy this job! Weddings do not need to be expensive, and that’s the same for décor. We try to ensure our costs are affordable while offering many designs to suit all types of themes. Discover more about the company: www.mantamakes.com LAUREL DESIGNS STUDIO For the last 15 years, Laurel Designs Studio has provided couples with beautiful bespoke handmade stationery where the clients get very involved in helping owner Carol Slark design their dream pieces. The business started by offering save-the-date cards, invitations and all the on-the-day stationery. The team then added décor and props, which grew to all the details needed for the big day, such as centrepieces and fresh florals since moving to their new studio. Carol says, “My company stands out because we specialise in designing beautiful weddings from the initial meeting to execution. We pride ourselves in the relationship built with all our clients. We can take care of everything for them or add those extra touches to their dream day. It’s so special to bring our client’s vision to life and create a lasting memory for them and their guests.” The company’s beautiful studio located in a stunning Hampshire Vineyard allows clients to book an appointment and discuss all their requirements. Discover more about the company: https://laureldesignstudio.co.uk SERAGAENGLAND Like many others, the tourism industry reached a complete standstill during lockdown. Natalie Manifold suddenly found herself with a lot of time on her hands for creative thinking. Later in 2020, she saw a jewellery-making class advertised and wanted to participate as she already had some making experience. At that point, her eyes were opened to the vast world of jewellery that exists beyond the high street brands. The name Seraga comes from the name of her father, Serag, a Coptic Egyptian. He led Natalie through the early part of the path that is her life and encouraged her talents to flourish - it felt appropriate to name the company after him and the ancestry that has inspired Natalie. The company offers a bespoke wedding ring service, as well as a range of existing ring styles that are more ‘off the wall’ or unusual. As a designer, Natalie actively seeks out unusual ways to create while also offering more traditional rings in either gold or silver. She says. “Both nature and ancient civilisations inspire my aesthetic. Many of my pieces have a ‘just excavated’ vibe or a feeling of belonging in the British Museum as part of an archaeological discovery. Everything is handmade in the UK and hallmarked by the London Assay Office. My favourite aspect of being a jeweller is working with clients, finding our common interest and love for a piece before designing their dream look. If pairs have decided they would like to work with me, I am happy to travel to meet them to discuss their needs in more detail.” Check out: https://seragaengland.com SARAH RALPH DESIGNS Sarah Ralph Designs has been making silver jewellery for the last 10 years. Owner Sarah Ralph started by creating a spinner ring and got hooked. She now offers new ideas around wedding jewellery, and designs can be customised with different sizes and colours to fit the bridal theme. Sarah says, "I'm also happy to work with the bridal party to develop a style for them specifically. I also offer a range of romantic jewellery, perfect gifts for bridesmaids, mother-of-the-brides and grooms - the sky's the limit. I take pride in that my designs are out of the ordinary and make a statement. There's something special about coming up with an idea and taking it from a drawing to a finished piece." Discover more about the company: www.sarahralphdesigns.com www.framesbyben.co.uk 60
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