Cheryl Ladds
Cheryl is the creative behind award-winning business Fine Feathers, designing and handcrafting accessories made with locally-sourced feathers.
When did you first start your business/enterprise and what was your initial inspiration?
I’m based at Renniston Farm, Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, and my work is inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and country pursuits that surround me.
It all started when I was out at a pub with family and there was a wreath made out of feathers on the wall, and my mother-in-law said: you could make me one of those! So I did the wreath for her, and there were a few feathers left, so I made them into a brooch and gave that to her as well. And from her wearing it came multiple requests from other people, all wanting one! So it spiralled from there.
How did you go about starting up?
It was a hobby for two years, along with a full time job, then became a part time job with a full time job, then it was a matter of squeezing in a full time job with another full time job. So in the end I made the very hard decision to finish my well-payed employed career in the mental health field and take the leap of faith. That was in 2024, and I never looked back.
My attitude to life is if you don’t try it you will never know if it would work. I was lucky to have a very supportive family as well, which really helped.
Has your business evolved over time, and if so, how?
I think I’ve changed rather than the business, I’m a lot more confident now, and I’ve learnt to keep trying and not easily to give in when I got a no, especially from bigger businesses. Now the vast majority of people I supply have come directly to me rather than the other way round.
When it comes to events, I’ve become much more selective about which ones I do, and I collaborate with a friend to make it more viable as well. Her business is Purple Sage, a skincare company, so we go along as Feather and Sage.
I can’t even think to compare myself to this time last year, I used to find networking so hard, now I feel completely confident to talk about my business with people. I can say I’m a leading UK brand in feather accessories now.
What support has GrowBiz provided?
Caron (GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator) has given me brilliant support, she totally got that it was a rural business with a rural focus. She was so enthusiastic, but also made me look at things in a rational way and made me look at pricing and efficiency. She didn’t tell me what to do, but she really made me focus on why I was doing what I was doing. So a huge thank you to GrowBiz!
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
There’s been a few things lately!
Fine Feathers was recently named as the Scottish Champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards in the rural enterprise category, and represented Scotland at the UK finals at the House of Lords in July this year. It blew my mind that out of 9000 nominations there were 5 winners in 5 different categories and I was one of those. I’m actually one of 3 winners from the Borders, which makes me feel very proud, I feel I’m part of representing my region. I can’t say how much I was shaking when they read my name as the winner! I couldn’t believe it, as was thrilled just to be nominated, I never expected to win.
Fine Feathers also won New Business of the Year at the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards in August, which was another incredible surprise and took some time to sink in!
I got to meet the His Majesty the King when he visited Jedburgh this summer.
And every little achievement feels like a massive thing still, like for example I’ve started getting a lot of orders from America, and I’m really proud to work with some of the brands I’m stocked with.
Are you incorporating any sustainable practices or net zero goals into your business?
Yes! Each of my hand-crafted feather accessories is made using ethically sourced feathers from local shoots that would otherwise go to waste. Country pursuits have been my life, so I’m so proud to have turned this into a job.
My focus is on making something from something that’s already there, and I often source materials from charity shops. I never throw anything away, even a ribbon or some spare buttons! It’s also important to me to support other local rural industries, for example all my printing is done locally.
Sustainability, slow fashion and supporting the local rural economy are at the heart of my brand.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Maximising my time! I’ve just taken on someone else to help me. I also need to be a bit more savvy with bookkeeping.
Do you have a top tip to pass on to other small businesses or self-employed people?
Be resilient and go for what you want. If you really believe in something, it changes your way of looking at life.
What’s next for you (big or small)?
I want to grow sustainably, but I’m always looking for other opportunities and ways to expand! Next year I’m going to be doing some wedding bouquets and other bridal accessories, which will be new for me.
We’d also really like to do a couple of big shows next year, the Great Yorkshire Show and the Scottish Game Fair, so I’ll be getting ready for those. But I don’t know how I could top this year!
