A Fife designer launched her own business, Clarabella Christie, after seeing consumers had grown tired of mass-produced items and wanted unique pieces for their homes.
Claire Christie runs the Dunfermline-based venture, which produces handmade made-to-order accessories and homewares.
It has now been running for 16 years. Claire puts the success down, in part at least, to the loyalty of her customers.
She said: “I don’t take this for granted. I have worked with some fantastic people, indie shops and charities over the years.”
Claire’s studio is multi-disciplinary, so she has all kinds of customers.
She added: “Some come to my classes to learn and be part of a small creative community; some are into interiors and order homewares, often bespoke.
“I also have my clothing customers, who I meet at markets and contemporary design shows as well as online.
“My customer focus is generally for the mindful shopper who likes to buy artisan and local. They like to know the story behind the brand and maker and generally buy well, less often. They appreciate unique, well-made pieces.”
Impact of cost-of-living crisis on Fife firm
The designer said lighting has been a great backbone to her business. However since she started making clothes in lockdown, her Gloria skirts had “blazed a trail”.
However, Claire said the luxury brand market has been difficult since lockdown and the financial downturn has affected sales.
“Clarabella is coming out of this, thankfully.
“I have relaunched my workshops, which help bolster the business at this time.
“Things are definitely getting back to normal – I have a full schedule of projects and events planned in 2023 and am feeling very positive.”
However, she said Brexit had impacted trading abroad.
“It’s meant I trade less outside the UK. It’s just not financially viable. It’s a big frustration to my business. A very sad loss.”
On coping with the cost-of-living crisis, the designer said she had returned to making from vintage – using fabrics already in circulation.
She has also developed Tictactoe – a collection of mix-and-match homewares which are cheaper than her other ranges .
Her new sewing classes – The Thrifted Stitch – encourage students to make homewares from second-hand fabrics.
Claire studied printed textiles and surface design at Glasgow School of Art in the early 1990s.
From window dresser to launching Fife brand
Her career included working as a window dresser at an independent department store in Berkshire, then studying prop making in London and being a self-employed costume and set designer.
She moved back to Scotland in 2005 and started Clarabella two years later.
“I had always collected printed vintage fabrics since being a student. I went about turning them into bespoke lighting and homewares for my friends – reuse and up-cycling have always been core to Clarabella.
“I loved the heady mix of pattern and colour from the 1970s. I had amassed a huge collection – the charity shops were full of these amazing fabrics.
“Sustainability was in its infancy as a concept and I could see that consumers had grown tired of mass produced. They wanted unique pieces for their home that told a story.”
Best is yet to come for Clarabella Christie
The designer initially worked from home between raising her children and moved into her first studio in 2015 at Fire Station Creative.
“During lockdown, I got the chance to take a studio at the fabulous Abbot House, which is a huge inspiration. I sell my work in the gift shop there too.”
Claire said she was proud to be at the helm of the company she launched in 2007.
She said the best is yet to come for Clarabella Christie.
When asked what she likes best about her job, Claire added: “Making and creating.
“Designing new prints and products is the very best part – it’s what gets me up in the morning.
“I also love the friendships and relationships I have with my customers and students.”
Conversation