A young businesswoman following in her grandfather’s footsteps is celebrating her first year in business.
Charlie Gwillim, of Devon Embroidery, celebrates the anniversary tomorrow (Saturday) and has wanted to own her own business after sitting and watching her grandfather Desmond Werring at work.
Desmond was a military tailor all his life, running Peter Marsh Ltd in the town for more than three decades.
Sidmothian Charlie said: “I do like to think I am following in his footsteps as we were/are both in the textiles trade.
“Mum always jokes his flair skipped a generation and jumped straight to me.
“It’s very surreal. I couldn’t be happier about how our first year has gone. It’s been hard work with a lot of late nights and early starts with a few challenges to overcome along the way but it has been the most exciting year of my life so far, and I have met so many wonderful people along the way.”
The 27-year-old says she has hopes that her shop will be open as long as her granddad’s - and longer.
The former Sidmouth College student said: “This is long-term. I think he was successful because he knew his trade inside out.
“Also its the industry we’re in, if you’re a service provider, I like to think if you do a good job you’ll always have customers.”
Since opening the Cross Lane business last year, Charlie has invested in new machinery, including one of the newest pieces of kit in the country.
The new equipment has helped open the door to quicker turnarounds of orders and higher quality stitches.
Charlie said: “I’ve always, since a young age, wanted to own my own business, never really knowing where to start or what to do, I would always come up with some grand idea but with age and experience I’ve found my niche.
“Onwards and upwards. With the investment in new machinery it has allowed me to take on much larger contracts than Devon Embroidery has taken on previously and this is something we want to continue. It’s a wonderful feeling, having a business in the town is something I have wanted for a long time. Bite the bullet, you won’t regret it.”
The shop will be open 10am to 2.30pm with celebratory cupcakes and a guess the name draw with proceeds donated to Sidmouth Lifeboat.
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