I’m Nichola, the proud founder of what’s now known as Nellie’s Keepsake Company—a labor of love, creativity, and a sprinkle of serendipity!
It all started after I graduated with a BA Hons in Contemporary Textiles and Surface Pattern. For years, I worked in the design and print industry, even taking on an exciting 3-month stint in Qatar as a project manager. But when I returned to the UK, I found myself jobless and juggling temp work. During that time, I began creating handmade cards, selling them at market stalls, and discovering a spark I didn’t know was there.
When my grandad passed away, he left me an inheritance. Instead of spending it frivolously, I wanted to honor him by building something meaningful. I’d always loved working with wood, so a laser cutter felt like the perfect investment. Countless hours later, I was crafting beautiful pieces like bunting, cards, memory boxes, and more.
In 2013, I opened my first retail outlet—though calling it “tiny” would be an understatement. But as the business grew, so did our dreams. In 2015, we welcomed my beautiful daughter Nellie into the world, and it quickly became clear that our shoebox-sized shop just wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
Then, as if guided by a guardian angel, the perfect new shop space landed in our laps. It was a dream come true—room for both a workshop and retail area! We rebranded with the help of our amazing Facebook followers, and Nellie’s Wooden Workshop was born.
Fast forward to 2023—a tough year where I almost gave up. But life has a way of surprising you. In early 2024, we stumbled upon what can only be described as the dream location. It felt like the universe was nudging us forward again. With a fresh start on the high street, we took the opportunity to rebrand one more time—and that’s how Nellie’s Keepsake Company came to life!
In April 2024, we opened the doors to our new store, and the response has been absolutely incredible. The space, the community, and the journey have exceeded every expectation, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
A Huge Thank You!
To every single one of you who has supported this family-run business—you’ve helped us grow and continue this amazing adventure. We wouldn’t be here without you!
With love,
Nichola and the team x
