About Me
Hey there, it's so nice to have you here! Let me tell you a little about myself and the story behind Kenzo Crafts. First and foremost, I feel incredibly blessed to be a mum to three amazing sons and I also inherited a bonus son when I married my husband. And now, I'm also a proud Grandma to six adorable grandkids named Oscar, Jayden, Jacob, Freddie, Oakley and Elsie-mae. You can probably guess that boys are a big part of my life, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
The Journey
I began my working life as a hairdresser, a career I truly loved and found incredibly rewarding. But life had other plans. When my son became unwell and needed to be home-schooled, I made the hardest decision of my life — to step away from my job so I could be exactly where he needed me most.
During that uncertain time, I refused to give up hope. I leaned into my creative side and, almost by chance, came across some hand-painted plaques on eBay. Something clicked. I became fascinated, curious, and determined to learn everything I could about the craft. Countless hours of research, planning, and trial followed, and with the help of a wonderful carpenter client, my ideas slowly became a reality.
Together, we created my very first plaques using 2mm caravan wood. I nervously listed them for sale — and when that very first plaque sold, the feeling was unforgettable. Even now, my heart still does a little happy skip every time an order comes through.
What started as a creative outlet during a challenging chapter of my life grew into something so much more. Through determination, hard work, and a whole lot of heart, I found a way to support my family while turning a passion into a business I truly love.
The Business Name
When I was looking for a name for my business back in March 2006, I struggled to find one that captured the essence of my craft. Every name I came up with seemed to be already taken. One day, while deep in thought, my golden retriever puppy Kenzo, came up to me. In a moment of inspiration, I realised that "Kenzo Crafts" was the perfect name for my business. Sadly, Kenzo fell ill during the first coronavirus lockdown. Despite our best efforts, we had to say goodbye to him. Losing Kenzo was devastating for my family, as he was a much loved and cherished member. But I find comfort in knowing he's now at peace, frolicking in a field of buttercups with our black lab Jess, who passed away a few years prior. It's clear to me that animals grieve just like humans do. Kenzo lost his bounce and sparkle when Jess passed. For months, he would lie next to a photo of Jess we had placed on our hearth. However, I'm grateful for the 15 + years we spent with Kenzo. He was such a character. I'm sure most visitors to our home came to spend time with him, not us!
Myla - Moo
Myla Moo was placed in our lives and filled the huge hole that Kenzo and Jess had left. She is such a lovely-natured dog. She's managed to fit right in and been such a comfort for my eldest grandson who lives with us along with his younger brother. The best things about Myla is her empathy and her zoomies! She just knows when the boys need a cuddle or cheering up. She just places her head gently in his lap and stays there until he moves. When they're struggling to find happiness in their day she does this little dance on her hind legs then zooms around the house at 100 miles an hour. I think that's the terrier in her!
Current news
It's been 20 years since I started my business, and I'm happy to say I'm still going strong. Despite the challenges brought on by the coronavirus lockdowns and the rising cost of living, I've had to diversify my products like many other businesses. Nevertheless, I'm proud to say that my products still provide excellent quality at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused prices to spike, with birch wood costs tripling. Nonetheless, I've absorbed these costs and have yet to raise my prices. In the summer of 2023, I plan on unveiling a new line for the Kenzo collection that will be both budget-friendly and of the highest quality. Keep an eye out for updates!