A MUM has spoken of the rewards and challenges of being an entrepreneur after setting up a children's wear business during the pandemic. 

Kathryn Harrison established Handmade Harrison in January last year following a period of home-schooling her children during lockdown.

Her online products are made to order, with Kathryn’s sewing skills used to create the homemade childrenswear. 

She said: "I set up the business last year as I stopped working due to covid. I had been sewing for my girls for a few years and I thought I had nothing to lose so I gave it a go.

"I started it off on Facebook and Instagram and it just grew; I have lot of local customers but also customers around the UK now as well."

St Helens Star: Handmade Harrison's clothes are all made to order Handmade Harrison's clothes are all made to order (Image: Handmade Harrison)

The online business has since branched out, with the shop’s website launched last week. 

The 34-year-old explained how expanding on to a website was a positive step for her business as it introduced the clothing shop to a wider audience and allowed a better control of the volume of orders. 

Kathryn added: "Some people I speak to say they’re not on social media, so I think it’ll make it easier. Up until now, people have been messaging me on Facebook and sometimes I don’t have the time, whereas now they can just go on the website, order what they want and when they want it, and it should hopefully be a lot simpler for everyone.

"It’s been great. I could talk about fabric and children’s clothes all day long, but with the volume of orders I get through now, doing it online just speeds everything up."

The mum-of-two also explained how the financial loss of an independent business during the cost of living crisis can affect other local businesses.

She said: "I couldn’t go without other small businesses to help run my small business. If clothing shops are buying the fabric, then the fabric sellers aren’t able to sell it.

"It’s challenging; I’ve seen a slow down. People are more wary now, and if we’re all struggling, handmade children’s clothes are a luxury so I’ve definitely noticed people not buying as much."

To visit the newly launched website, go to https://www.handmadeharrison.co.uk/