Combining sustainable African textiles with reclaimed fabrics and recycled materials, today’s Friday Feature handmakes gorgeous accessories and homeware that celebrate African heritage whilst being kind to the planet… it’s the lovely Chantel from Mashona Designs. Let’s get to know more about the creative woman behind the small business… What does being creative mean to you? It means being able to challenge my perceptions of what I can achieve. In my younger years I have often questioned my abilities (even though coming across as confident), so being able to create with my hands and to wear what I create is a wonderful feeling. I feel very proud! Has creativity ever helped

This week’s Friday Feature is the wonderful Beth Elsdon. Using soft neutrals, with pops of colour, and lots of textural layers, Beth creates contemporary and emotive pieces of art from her studio in North Yorkshire. With personal experience of the ups and downs in life, Beth has a passion for creating pieces that really resonate and connect with people on a deeper level (giving them a moment of calm, hope, or joy), and helping others express their own feelings through art during her workshops. Let’s get to know more about the woman behind the creativity… What is your earliest memory of you being creative? One of my earliest creative memories

Our Friday Feature this week is the lovely Catherine from Catherine Bamber Art. Having grown up in a creative home, Catherine quite naturally found her way to becoming an artist. Lockdown was the perfect excuse to build her own business, and since then she has really honed her style – finding what works best for her. Spoiler alert: it involves lots of dots and second-hand frames! Let’s get to know more about the wonderful creative woman behind the small business… What does being creative mean to you? It’s the freedom to create something from scratch, whilst having fun and getting lost in the task. For me, this isn’t just achieved

This week’s Friday Feature is Afia from AFMENA, who is as vibrant and beautiful as the floral designs she creates. After working as a teacher, Afia had a change of heart when on maternity leave with her first child. That’s when her love of design took centre-stage and she started her business. Now, with a focus on unconventional and colourful creations, Afia creates exciting florals for brands, events, and weddings all across London. Let’s get to know more about the amazing woman behind the creative small business… How did your small business start? After creating flowers for my own wedding, I became the go-to person for friends who were getting