A BUSINESS in Whitehaven which specialises in pet ornaments is celebrating its one year anniversary.
Paw Prints 3D, which specialises in bespoke pet ornaments including 3D printed, hand-painted models of customers' pets, digital portraits and other pet-themed gifts, opened on June 1, 2023.
Cheryl Lall from St Bees started the business after developing a new hobby in lockdown which then converted into her own business in Whitehaven Market Place.
Cheryl said: "The last year has been a huge learning curve! Making the leap from market stall to shop was not something I had ever planned to do so quickly, but when the perfect opportunity came along I just had to take it.
"Although it's not been without its challenges, I’m so glad I did!"
After so many businesses on the high street have struggled this year, Cheryl feels a sense of gratitude to be celebrating the first anniversary.
She said: "It is an achievement I never thought we’d reach, but so very grateful that we have. As any small business will know it’s tougher now than it ever has been to just keep things afloat.
"But it has been so lovely and rewarding to have had the support from my lovely customers, many whom are now regulars and who will never truly know the difference they make when they keep coming back... even the smallest purchases go a long way and every single one of them is appreciated so much."
Cheryl spoke about her favourite parts of owning her business over the last year. She said: "Getting to know the local community and really being made to feel like a big part of Whitehaven has been one of the nicest things.
"To be able to offer that face-to-face service and personal touch to shopping that so many towns are missing now has been lovely, and the feedback and comments I’ve received have been so encouraging!"
To celebrate Paw Prints' one year anniversary, on Tuesday June 4, customers can enjoy 10 per cent off everything and will receive a free bag of dog treats with every purchase.
Cheryl spoke about what she wants to see for the future of her business. She said: "I am always striving to improve and add to the shop and the products that I offer, and the next year will hopefully see a lot more that.
"I am currently in the process of setting up new equipment that will allow me to offer better quality personalised items such as cushions, bags and eventually clothing, and I am a huge supporter of other small businesses, so I would love to include more local businesses in the shop and stock more of their products in the coming months.
"If you make anything you think would fit in well with us, please get in touch!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here