In my final blog of 2018, I wanted to look back on the year and say a heartfelt “thank you” to all of those who have supported me.

The year began with Top Drawer at Kensington Olympia with Design Nation, which was my first time showcasing at this event. Thank you to everyone who visited me especially Carl Rodrigues. It proved to be a successful show for me as I received an order for my new Harry Wheatcroft scarves from The Guinness Gallery in Dublin as well as other scarf sales.

I then started preparing for my spring Open Studio in March, but this was stifled a little by the ‘Beast from the East’.  Despite this, we carried on and the event was a success.  I also had my first photo shoot with Sam Appa in March, showcasing my new collections for my website with her brilliant photography.

I held my second Open Studio in June (this time we had a heat wave!) and over 50 people attended this.  My first blog was written in July and it really took me out of my comfort zone as I’m not a natural blogger but I think I am getting better with practice! 

I also started having marketing sessions with Shamshad Walker  and business coaching with Michele Walsh, both of which I have found to be fantastically helpful in guiding me to grow and develop my business.

October saw me holding my next Open Studio event in collaboration with Suzanne Suthers, Katherine Wilson and Sally Richards, which again was a brilliant success.

The third anniversary of Barinder Designs was in December 2018 and I celebrated by holding my first ever Festive Open Studio Event (just in time for the Christmas last-minute shop)!

One of the biggest highlights for me in 2018 has been the number of bespoke commissions that I have undertaken, starting with Jude Jennison’s horse scarf, Simon Clarke’s Irish flag themed pocket square, Sophie Leadly’s travel themed pocket square, Wonderbow logo scarf and pocket square, Cedar Business logo scarf, a wedding themed framed pocket square for Rebecca from Dance Equation, bespoke canvases for 365 Clean Ltd, Al Tepper and Liam Kelly and bespoke scarves for Nadine Cooper and Quinton Quayle.

Other commissions that I undertook included bespoke fabric designs for Sally Richards, an order for 5 clutch bags, a silk tree canvas and 16 Mexican themed wedding lanterns. 

Looking forward to 2019, I hope to do even more bespoke commissions and will start designing my new collection in January.  I am also opening an Etsy Shop, will be holding my next Open Studio in the spring and launching my new designs on my website shop, so please look out for these.

My final words are to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2019 and to again say a massive “thank you” from my heart for all your support over the last year.