To mark International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the talented female founders within The Giftware Association community by sharing their stories, achievements and experiences. Our first feature is Amy, founder of Risen Design, who reflects on the growth of her handmade business, the challenges she has overcome, and the milestones she is most proud of. 

Over the past 12 months, my business journey has been nothing short of transformative. What started as a small venture stocking just seven retailers has grown rapidly, and today I’m proud to say my work is stocked in 47 retailers. One of my most surreal milestones has been being stocked in Bents Garden Centre, my local garden centre. Seeing my handmade products on the shelves of a place I’ve visited for years is a true pinch-me moment and a reminder of how far I’ve come.

Every single piece is handmade by one person, me. Building and scaling a business while maintaining that level of craftsmanship has been one of my biggest challenges, but also one of my greatest achievements. The long hours, the pressure of growth, and the responsibility of doing everything myself have tested my resilience. There have been moments of doubt, but pushing through them has strengthened both my confidence and my determination to succeed.

Just six months after launching, I won Small Business Sunday by Theo Paphitis, which gave my business invaluable exposure and credibility at such an early stage. In 2022, I was honoured to be named Overall Winner at the Female Business Network Awards. I then went on to win the Biz Women Young Entrepreneur Award in 2024 and the Biz Women Creative Excellence Award in 2025, achievements that recognised both my entrepreneurial journey and my creativity.

Thanks to Theo’s support, I also won a free stand at Spring Fair 2025, providing an incredible platform to showcase my brand. I have even sold artwork to worldwide celebrities, something I once only dreamed of. I am immensely proud of how far I have come and excited for what the future holds.