Wow. I can't believe it I have just picked up an award for the North East Women Entrepreneur of the year in the Best Creative Business category! The awards ceremony was hosted by Women into the Network at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead. It was a glamorous evening dedicated to the North Easts leading female business women, I was in truly great company. It was a real honour to be short listed and a complete surprise to win this prestigious award and hope I can fly the flag as a role model to inspire other people to follow their dream and make a success of their creative practice.I would like to say a few thanks to all the people who have inspired me and helped me on my journey so far.
Firstly to my husband Ross who four years ago told me to stop talking about it and told me to GET ON WITH IT! Sometimes you just need a push in the right direction.
To his parents for letting us use their loft, garage and spare bedroom as a storage facility for our stock and equipment.
Thanks to the Mushroom Works who provide me with a great studio space and to Lara for nominating me for this award. Also to Bethan my studio buddy for putting up with me on a daily basis!
When I started out as an artist I found it difficult to get exposure for my work with only a few galleries supporting me, so thanks to the Aln Gift Shop, The Smokehouse Gallery, Pebbles and The Design Room for taking a chance on my work.
Finally a big thanks to all my friends and family who relentlessly turn up to every exhibition to support me, especially Karina and her Mum (my biggest fan) who always seems to buy one of my new paintings!
Hopefully this is just the begining for us and the Wishart business.
