How Beth Wilson Embroidery Can Turn Your Memories into Keepsakes
Using her impressive embroidery skills, Middlesbrough's Beth Wilson captures cherished memories and milestone moments for clients in incredible bespoke pieces
‘[After uni] I got employed by a studio but it just wasn’t for me – I wanted to come home so I eventually quit and started my own little embroidery business from the garden shed.’
Although the road has been slow since beginning Beth Wilson Embroidery in 2020, Beth has persisted and never shied away from adapting to what customers wanted. ‘During lockdown I shifted to children’s hoodies where parents sent their own photos in to be stitched. I think that really helped because clients were at home and looking for new things so that helped me reach a new audience. Then the restrictions lifted and that was when the bridal jackets really took off.’
The design process that Beth has developed since starting her business is deeply personal, and she works closely with clients to achieve their vision, no matter how outrageous. ‘That’s probably the most exciting part of my job! I love hearing people’s stories. I feel so lucky that I can offer anyone something unique that means so much to them.’
‘People send all sorts of images and even sketches – absolutely anything. I really pride myself on being able to offer a service where clients are fully involved. Once we’ve got all the inspiration and ideas, I create some very rough drafts. I’m very much about whatever you want. The originality of each piece is so special, and it’s very emotional because it means so much, especially the pet pieces. To bring a little bit of joy to someone and a little bit of peace – it’s nice to know I can help people like that.’
Particular projects have stayed with Beth long after the design process is complete; some for emotional reasons and some for the scale and complexity of the vision. ‘[This client] won’t mind me saying, but she had her children’s birthdays, her parents’ birthdays, the location of where she got married, and so many other different symbolic things,’ Beth says. ‘I did get them all on there but it was such a challenge! She loved it and even though things like that take quite a lot longer, customers know I’ll take the time over something.
‘There was also a lady whose son was travelling and studying in a different country. Unfortunately he fell into psychosis and had to come home, but he loved to DJ. His friend drew a sketch of him DJing, to help bring back some of the positive memories he had and then I got to interpret that into embroidery,’ she explains. ‘It was just nice to know that we’re trusted with something so special.’
Beth knows only too well the challenges of setting up a business and the stigma that still surrounds the creative industry in the North. ‘I think that I always knew it was going to be a journey. Obviously my dream is to do crazy couture gowns, but it’s about understanding you don’t jump from A to Z,’ she explains. ‘Back when I left college, there was this feeling that you have to go to uni to be successful and there was all of this pressure to get out of the area. If I could be part of a shift to make people think that this is actually a great place that would mean so much.’
Already a pro at changing to suit the needs of her clients, unsurprisingly Beth has big plans for the year. ‘I will be working on a new collection of florals,’ she says. ‘At the moment I feel like I do love what I do. But I want to involve the meaning behind things more and go deeper. I recently went to New York and found a book which was about the Victorian language of flowers. A bouquet of flowers might mean new beginnings or marriage, and I just want to add a bit more maturity to show my growth as a designer. I’d also love to offer more workshops which are definitely in the pipeline.’
Tell us a local hidden gem.
Wags & Whiskers in Stockton. My dog comes to work with me every day so we love it there!
Do you have a favourite independent business?
Estelle Lily, she has her own design brand and reminds me of me a lot.
What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?
Just do it. Knock backs will come and you’re not going to get your dream overnight but if you’re chipping away in the background it will come.
