I have to share this with you because I'm genuinely buzzing and can't quite believe it's real yet!
You know how I'm always banging on about being self-taught and learning everything from YouTube videos in my little studio here in the Rhondda? Well, it turns out that all those hours of unpicking wonky seams and watching the same tutorial seventeen times has actually led somewhere pretty bloody amazing.
I've just been accepted into not one, but TWO prestigious directories - and I'm still doing that thing where I keep checking my emails to make sure it's not a mistake!
The Crafts Council Directory
First up, I'm now listed in the Crafts Council Directory. The CRAFTS COUNCIL! The same organisation that's been championing Britain's best makers for over 50 years. Little old me from the Rhondda, sitting alongside established artisans who've been doing this for decades.
When I started this journey in December 2023, armed with nothing but determination and a serious YouTube addiction, I never imagined I'd end up here. It feels like the biggest validation that what I'm creating actually matters.
Leather UK Directory
And then - because apparently the universe decided to be extra kind, I've also been listed in the Leather UK Directory. This is the official directory of the UK leather industry, recognising businesses that work with premium leather and traditional crafting techniques.
Every time I run my hands over beautiful leather that's used for our Leather Collection, I think about the centuries of tradition I'm part of. Now I'm officially recognised as part of that heritage - a girl from the Valleys carrying on these skills.
What This Actually Means
Look, I'm not going to pretend this doesn't mean the world to me. When you're working alone in your studio, sometimes wondering if anyone actually cares about handmade bags in a world of fast fashion, recognition like this is everything.
It means that every bag I've lovingly crafted, every late night spent perfecting a design, every market stall I've stood behind in the Welsh rain, it's all been worth it. Someone out there thinks what I'm doing is good enough to sit alongside the best in Britain.
But more than that, it means I'm representing our little corner of Wales on a national stage. The Rhondda Valleys, known for so much history and resilience, now has a voice in the UK's craft and leather industries through Emma Easter Handcrafted.
I'm still that same person who gets ridiculously excited about a perfect topstitch and talks to Lilly (my dog) about bag designs (she's an excellent listener, terrible at feedback). But now I'm also officially recognised as part of Britain's creative landscape.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Every single one of you who's bought a bag, shared a post, or just cheered me on has helped make this possible.
Right, I'm off to do a little happy dance in the studio!
Emma x
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