Meet the Founder of Handcrafted Homewares Company, Kilday&Co who are Exhibiting at Living North LIVE in Newcastle
You'll be able to find Kilday&Co at Living North LIVE at Newcastle Racecourse this May
What’s your background?
I’m Alice, founder of Kilday&Co. I’m 26 and live in Darlington with my partner and dog, a beagle called Milo. I studied at the Northern College of Art and graduated with a BA Hons in Textiles and Surface Design. I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember and having my own design-related business has been my goal from the outset. I spent several years gaining experience working within the industry prior to launching Kilday&Co in April 2022.
Where do you find inspiration?
My collections originate from photography, drawings and paintings of flora and fauna, agate and other natural forms, with the aim to reflect the beauty in the world around us, which we tend to miss in our fast-paced lives. Each design has a story, and is inspired by various locations around the world and the UK.
Where do you source your materials?
All products are designed, printed and handmade in my home studio. My raw materials are UK-sourced and the packaging we use is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Our products are all handmade to order, ensuring each customer receives individual attention – this also helps with our sustainability goals as we produce less waste.
What’s your typical day?
Once Milo has been fed and walked, a typical day at Kilday&Co involves checking our online platforms and website for customer orders to process, as well as replying to customer emails. The production, packaging and dispatch of orders will take up the bulk of the day however I always find time to shoot content for social media platforms, and admin. I am currently spending a lot of time updating the website and getting ready to launch some new products in the spring. I also like to allocate some time to working on new designs, a process which can take a very long time!
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing that my designs are loved by others, and my designs and products are influencing people’s homes.
What’s the hardest part?
It is very hard to switch off. There are always 101 things to consider and work through, especially when launching new products, so switching off can be a challenge – especially having a home studio – it’s easy on an evening to end up popping back into the studio to do a quick task, and end up being in there until midnight!
What’s your favourite piece of your own work?
My favourite piece would have to be my Mineral design. The colour palettes and shapes within this design are so interesting and beautiful. The photography was taken in the Salt Mines in Krakow, Poland, 327 metres underground, making this particular design very unique.
What can we expect from you at Living North LIVE?
I am so excited to be exhibiting my business at Living North LIVE for the very first time – and I am launching five new products! I’m looking forward to meeting other like-minded creative businesses who will be exhibiting alongside us.
How do you relax?
I enjoy getting outdoors and walking with my dog and partner, always with my camera at hand to capture any new inspiration. I also enjoy time with my family.
Plans for the future?
The aim is to expand Kilday&Co through stockists and online platforms, ultimately to be able to operate Kilday&Co full time, as I currently also work part time for a local printing company.
An item you couldn’t live without?
Not exactly an item, but I couldn’t live without my family and dog. Although I would really miss chocolate!
Best snack for a long journey?
Chocolate!
