Marie Smith The Artisan Bothy & She Wordsmiths

Early in 2018 I “retired” my event and wedding business. Highland Occasions By Design would have been almost 13 years old. But after a life changing charity trek in the Sahara Desert I decided my life needed more space to enjoy the things I have worked hard for. And for friends and family, of course. So I took a wee sabbatical, did some volunteering in Africa, some walking in Portugal and came home to make some decisions.

I have always had a passion for the written word. I read my first “proper” book before I was officially allowed a library card. My Mum had to prove I could read. And this is when it all began. I always had my nose in a book. Every Christmas a new Dean and Son classic, or three, would appear on my presents pile. By 14 I had already passed my English O’Level with “essay writing skills beyond her years”. Their words, not mine.

So when I began to wonder where I might channel my energy, my immediate thoughts were to write. She Wordsmiths is where you will find me blogging. Travel, Africa, adventure, women's health and lots of random musings. I write for me – and I also guest blog for other businesses. Because blogs are a great way to create dynamic content, right?

But having had my own creative business for well over a decade I also found myself needing to do something with my hands. To hold a product, at the end of a hard but satisfying day, and proudly say “I made that”. And so The Artisan Bothy was born. In my bothy you will find me fettling old pieces of furniture. I love a bit of cleaning and waxing - restoring wood’s natural beauty. I also love a bit of colour. So giving tired furniture a new lease of life with a new chalk paint coat and accessories can work wonders. And talking of coats, you will also find the occasional small upholstery project sneaking into my workshop too. I sell bespoke pieces and undertake commissions for specific “upcycle” or restoration projects. So next time you think you want to scrap that old piece of furniture, just because it’s out of fashion, call me. I might just help you fall in love with it all over again.

I am also the Affiliate Group Rep on the Association of Scottish Businesswomen ExCo committee. If you need help taking up your free ASB membership, or have a great news story you want sharing, e-mail me at affiiates@asb-scotland.org

Sector: Creative arts and design