It’s very easy to get caught up in everyday life without taking a step back and looking at what you’ve achieved. I for one am guilty of just this, but today is different. It’s Victoria Eggs Ltd.’s 5th anniversary and to mark the occasion I’ve picked 5 of my highlights since launching victoriaeggs.com on 21st March 2011.
1. The first Trade Fair - Top Drawer London, January 2012.
Nine months after launching victoriaeggs.com I decided to leave the comfort of Spitalfields market and doing the rounds in local shops, and exhibit at my very first trade fair. I’d had previous experience working at a show, however organising the logistics and marketing, designing the stand and setting up on a shoestring budget was a new challenge to me. Not to mention worrying about what the buyers would think of my designs! Luckily it was three of the busiest and most exciting days. Buyers including John Lewis, Liberty and Selfridges all stopped by the stand and later placed orders.
2. Bespoke Designs
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with some fantastic brands creating designs that reflects their companies and personalities. These include Birmingham Symphony Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and The National Gallery. One of the ultimate highlights was my very first commission with Twickenham Rugby stadium and being a fan of the game it made this design all the more exciting! I got the opportunity to carry out research for the design by having a personal guided tour of the deserted grounds of Twickenham on a beautiful summers day.
3. Hankyu British Fair, Osaka, Japan, October 2013
I was invited to exhibit at Hankyu British Fair in Osaka, Japan. The event took place in one of the largest department stores and celebrated a love for all things British. Exhibitors included the UK’s No1 fish and chip shop (who I later created one of my favourite bespoke designs for), the best scones Britain had to offer, along with British designers of clothes, gifts, cards, jewellery, homeware and more, including brands such as Jan Constentine and Tyrll Katz. It was one of the most incredible experiences, made all the more surreal by seeing my face throughout the city used on the posters to promote the fair. Whilst on the stand I was sketching the egg drawings for everyone who purchased an item, the queue and popularity of these sketches led to the Victoria Eggs range of greetings cards.
4. Alumni of the Year 2014 for Birmingham City University
In 2014 I was awarded Alumni of the Year for Enterprise and Innovation by Birmingham City University. Having spent 3 fantastic years studying at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, this was a huge honour and one I’m very proud of. I was presented with an award at Birmingham Symphony Hall as part of the graduation ceremony for that year, dressed in a gown and mortarboard. I was also lucky enough to have a celebratory lunch beforehand with fashion consultant Gok Wan who was receiving an honorary doctorate.
5 New York, New york!
In January this year I set off to exhibit in the NY Now trade fair based in the heart of New York City, full of nerves and excitement. Everything was so well received by the American buyers, orders were placed during and after the show and it was a great success, along with being a huge amount of fun! I’m now looking at distribution over there and excited to return next year.
So there it is, 5 of my favourite, wonderful memories from the last 5 years. A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me I’m excited about what the next 5 years will bring!