"Running my own business stopped me from doing the things I loved most"

Tuesday 08 June 2021

Running her own business took over Penelope Hope Founder Nadia Newton's personal life, health and happiness, the designer has said, as she announced her decision to close the lifestyle and homeware brand.

Since its conception in 2014, Penelope Hope has grown to a six figure turnover, supported by several part-time machinists and workshop assistants. Despite this growth and seven new product lines launched in 2020, the business will close at the end of August.

Ms Newton's business journey has come at a personal cost, as she ended up spending more and more time stifled by business demands and too little exploring the passion for design which kickstarted her new career. 

“I set up Penelope Hope to fulfil me creatively and create the kind of bold, statement products that I wanted to see in my home,” she said. “But, as the brand grew most of my time was spent running the business and not doing the thing I loved most, designing and being creative."

“The decision to close hasn’t been an easy one, especially after a fantastic year of growth in 2020, but running Penelope Hope no longer brings me the joy and fulfilment it once did.

"The uncertainty of recent times has shown me what’s most important - my family, health and happiness. Yet too often, Penelope Hope took higher priority.”

Tom Langford, Managing Director of local creative agency, the Potting Shed, has supported Penelope Hope since its launch.

"I’m fortunate that I have business partners to support me in the day-to-day operation of our agency," he said of the difficulties that come with managing creative expression with the needs of a growing business.

"It’s not easy to grow a commercial enterprise and remain true to your creative heart, particularly when you’re a small business and want to remain so."

Penelope Hope’s End of an Era sale began this week, with many products up to 50% off, available online via penelopehope.com or in their Trinity Square studio. 

A series of creative workshops, held in Penelope Hope’s studio, will continue as planned during June, July and August.