Nine Years of Purpose: My Five Top Tips on Building a Meaningful Business
This week marks a significant milestone for me—nine years in business! As I reflect on this journey, I want to share how I’ve built a purpose-driven enterprise and offer five tips for anyone looking to do the same.
My venture began in a beautiful, upcycled studio in an old Methodist chapel in Scholar Green, Cheshire. What started as a way to furnish my home on a budget has evolved into Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors, a space where I teach upholstery and leather crafts with heart and intention. My workshops are not just about learning a skill; they are an invitation to slow down, create with meaning, and resist the fast-paced, throwaway culture that surrounds us.
My guiding philosophy has always been: “If we can create with purpose, we can live with intention.”
The Spark That Ignited My Business
The spark for this business came from a personal place. Fifteen years ago, I was working in corporate food retail, a career I valued for its ethics. However, when my family and I took on the challenge of renovating a Victorian doctor’s surgery into a home, everything changed. Faced with budget constraints, I refused to compromise on style and character. Thus, I enrolled in a night class for upholstery in Manchester, and what began as a necessity quickly blossomed into a profound love for craftsmanship.
For years, upholstery was a side project—something I did in the evenings and on weekends. However, during maternity leave in 2016, I made the leap to officially register my business. By 2018, I had fully committed, purchasing the old chapel next to my home, which my father helped renovate into a creative studio.
Building My Business Model
At the heart of my business is a commitment to teaching crafts and empowering others to reconnect with their creativity. My workshops have evolved into a versatile, values-driven learning hub catering to individuals, groups, and businesses. Here’s how it works:
Creative Team-Building Days: Well-being-focused workshops designed for business teams. These sessions blend hands-on making with building confidence, creativity, and mindset development. For teams of 12-16 people.
Leadership and Development Workshops: in partnership with Think Organisation, hands on craft workshops blending behavioural science with experiential learning. For teams of 12-16 people.
Craft Workshops: Small, in-person workshops in Cheshire teach beginners and craft enthusiasts upholstery and leather crafts. Participants leave with a finished piece and new confidence in their abilities.
Private Group Bookings: Tailored sessions for friends, families, or groups seeking a shared creative experience.
The Impact of My Work
The effects of my work extend far beyond the craft itself. Each workshop is an invitation to slow down and reclaim agency in a fast-paced world.
- Environmental Regeneration: My practice is inherently circular, diverting waste from landfills and reducing demand for fast furniture. I educate participants on using quality materials from recycled or certified sources.
- Community Connection: I focus on building relationships within my Cheshire community, donating leftover materials and resources, and giving with intention.
- Creative Empowerment: Many attendees arrive unsure of their creative abilities, but leave transformed, having made something beautiful with their own hands.
- Well-Being and Presence: My workshops are deliberately phone-free, promoting deep focus and a meditative experience. Attendees report marked improvements in relaxation and creative curiosity.
- Inclusive Learning: I tailor my teaching to accommodate various skill levels, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and leaves with a sense of accomplishment.
Five Tips for Building a Purpose-Driven Business
As I reflect on my journey, here are five tips for anyone looking to create a business rooted in purpose:
- Follow Your Passion: Identify what you love and let that guide your business. Passion will sustain you through challenges.
- Be Intentional: Align every decision with your values. Authenticity will resonate with your audience.
- Engage with Your Community: Build genuine connections and collaborate with others. Community is a powerful force for growth.
- Prioritise Well-Being: Design your business to support your life, not the other way around. Make time for guilt free rest and reflection.
- Stay Open to Growth: Allow your business to evolve while staying true to your mission. Embrace new opportunities and keep your offerings fresh.
As I celebrate nine years in business, I am reminded that success is not measured by numbers but by the meaningful connections and positive impact we create. Here’s to continuing this journey of crafting with intention!
If you’d like to take part in one of our immersive upholstery of leather craft workshops check out the website
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