The Importance of Other People

Gillian Jones Designs bears my name and all the pictures are designed by me, but this company is very far from being a one man band. In fact, Gillian Jones Designs would not exist were it not for other people. As I have mentioned in other blog posts, I am not in the best of health. I have a couple of chronic conditions (possibly more) that sap my energy and limit my physical abilities. I simply could not do everything needed to keep the business running on my own and was coming close to shutting up shop when, having forgotten to do something yet again, I was fortunate enough to have had a slightly jokey conversation with a friend about my need for a P.A. The idea planted by that conversation led to Karen joining the business which has completely revitalised things. Not only does Karen do pretty much everything that doesn't involve designing, she is also well versed in my health wobbles and has sat next to me in A&E on more occasions than I care to count. You may have also noticed that we are attending events again and that is all down to Karen's enthusiasm.

Another key component of Gillian Jones Designs is my husband, Nick. He regularly cuts mounts, puts up shelving, moves gazebos, takes packages to the Post Office, loads and unloads the van for shows and is generally an all round good egg.

Two additional helpers are my two boys, Owen & Adam. They will come along to shows and helps out at the stand without complaint. They even have their own small business selling toys and flags from my stall.

Last but not least are all the people I have met in the course of running this business. Whether they be customers, suppliers or people met through networking groups; I have been very lucky in the support and understanding that has been forthcoming. Thank you to everyone who makes Gillian Jones Designs so much more than just me sat at a computer.