We Won! Lorna Syson Wins an SME Small Business Award 2019

There are some moments in running a small business that make you stop, take a breath and think, wow, I’ve actually come quite a long way.

Winning an SME Small Business Award 2019 was one of those moments for me.

I started Lorna Syson back in 2009, at a time when I was fresh out of university and trying to find my way into the design industry during a recession. Instead of finding the job I had hoped for, I decided to create my own.

What started as a small idea has grown into a British design business creating greeting cards, wrapping paper, fabrics, wallpaper, cushions, lampshades and other products inspired by my love of nature, wildlife and the countryside.

From a small idea to an award-winning business

When I first started my business, I certainly didn’t have a big team, a huge studio or a carefully mapped-out five-year plan.

I had some designs, a lot of determination and a belief that there was a place for my style of illustration.

Over the years, I’ve exhibited at major trade shows, worked with independent retailers and larger organisations, collaborated with other British businesses and built up a lovely community of customers and stockists.

I’ve also learnt almost everything along the way – from designing and manufacturing to marketing, wholesale, websites, packing orders and dealing with the inevitable challenges that come with running a small business.

So receiving recognition through the SME Small Business Awards felt particularly special.

Why awards matter to a small business

When you’re a small business owner, it’s very easy to focus on what’s next.

The next collection.
The next order.
The next deadline.
The next social media post.
The next invoice.

You don’t always stop to look at everything you’ve achieved.

Winning an award gave me a reason to do exactly that.

It reminded me how much has changed since those early days in 2009 and how many people have supported Lorna Syson along the way.

From the customers who have bought a card or a roll of wallpaper to the independent shops that have stocked my designs, every order has helped the business grow.

Staying small and doing things my way

One of the things I’m particularly proud of is that Lorna Syson has remained a genuinely independent British design business.

My designs are created by me, inspired by the world around me – from birds and bees to flowers, country walks and the gardens and landscapes I’ve known throughout my life.

I love creating products that bring a little bit of nature into people’s homes, whether that’s through a piece of wallpaper, a cushion, a lampshade or something as simple as a greeting card.

As the business has evolved, I’ve also realised that growth doesn’t always have to mean becoming bigger.

For me, it’s increasingly about creating a business that works for my life, staying creative and bringing more of the business back in-house.

A big thank you

So, thank you to everyone who has bought from Lorna Syson, stocked my designs, shared my work, recommended me to someone else or simply followed along over the years.

And thank you to the SME Small Business Awards for recognising the work that goes into running a small, independent creative business.

It’s lovely to have a moment to celebrate.

And then, of course, it’s back to the drawing board!