A Lower Stondon woman's sewing side-hustle has generated an annual income of £35,000.

Tracy Fishburn has left her previous job following the success of a side-business she created during maternity leave.

She now creates 12-15 keepsakes for her clients each week, by sewing items such as bears and cushions out of old baby clothes.

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While on maternity leave from her job at a pensions company - after having her second child - Tracy began to sew her eldest daughter's baby clothes into a keepsake bear.

Starting a side-business to create keepsakes for others, she expected that her main clientel would be parents like herself.

However, after being approached by a grieving mother, Tracy soon realised that her skill could also bring comfort to a range of individuals.

                                                                                                                      

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During the first year of the business, 'Tracy's Treasured Keepsakes' generated an income of £8,000.

Following this, Tracy returned to her job part time, before eventually launching an e-commerce website which allowed customers to order online.

In July 2020, she left her job to focus on the business full-time.

This led to an income of £35,000.

The Comet: Tracy left her job in July 2020.Tracy left her job in July 2020. (Image: Tracy's Treasured Keepsakes)

Tracy's Treasured Keepsakes now offers printed keepsakes as well as sewed gifts.

She said: "The thought of leaving my steady income with the unknown of a self employed income was scary, however, I had a huge belief in the business and knew it would go from strength to strength.

"I am eternally grateful to all my past and present customers who have put their trust in me to create them their precious keepsakes.”

Elaine Rout, a customer since 2021, commented: “I was recommended to Tracy shortly after my stepdad passed away two years ago.

"Tracy made me a memory cushion and bears from his clothes; they are absolutely gorgeous.

"So much care and attention is put into everything she makes.

The Comet: One of Tracy's keepsake bears.One of Tracy's keepsake bears. (Image: Tracy's Treasured Keepsakes)

"Tracy listens to what you would like and makes it so much better than you can imagine.

"Most recently Tracy has made me bears from my children’s baby clothes that have been in storage for 29 years.

"Tracy is so talented - her work is amazing right down to the last stitch.

"She is always coming up with new things to make."

Having been a finalist in the 2021 Muddy Stilettos Awards and the 2022 Biz4Biz Awards, Tracy added "2023 is going to be big a year for Tracy’s Treasured Keepsakes.

"I am not finished in my mission to help families preserve those memories tied up in the clothes they have hidden in storage."

For further information about the business, visit www.tracystreasuredkeepsakes.co.uk.