Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands 

 

Tell us about how Wheatear Textiles started, Maxine. 

 

We moved up to the Isle of Skye in November 2006 for “our time”. A more relaxed and slower pace of life and I love it. My husband built us a house which we moved into in April 2011 and the studio was built in the grounds and opened 1st of April this year. At the age of 56 I am having the time of my life. 

 

I knew I wanted to work from home and be creative, after moving into the house I started to sew, mainly for a hobby, but as I progressed I knew I could do something with this. I can see the Outer Hebrides from the house and already had a passion for Harris Tweed so it took no thinking about. A love of handbags and Harris Tweed is match made in heaven.

 

Who is the typical Wheatear customer?

 

I'm very lucky in where I am placed, very much on the tourist trail, with every nationality visiting my studio in Glendale. Everyone appreciates what I am doing and are interested or know about Harris Tweed so they are all my ideal customer.

 

What has been your most challenging experience?

 

The website. Being in retail management for most of my working life - meeting and greeting people face to face is me, that's what I enjoy. I find the website and the social media involvement difficult and time consuming, but I now have someone looking after that part for me. 

 

What's your biggest highlight?

 

The highlight has to be the opening of the studio, I may be 56 but I have finally got here and WOW I'm having a great time. I also have the best support from my better half!

 

Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs out there?

 

Just do it. Have a go. You don't always have to be ruled by the head, sometimes you have to listen to the heart. I wish I had done it sooner and not been held back by listening to others.

 

What or who are you inspired by?

 

I'm inspired by the Island and the views I am surrounded by....who wouldn't be. Also the wonderful colours of the Tweed they're fantastic. I may have the fabric for a while before I decide what bag to make with it.

 

What does your typical day look like?

 

I'm very organised, which makes things run smoothly, also my studio is a stress free environment. I always have something cut out from the evening before to start sewing when I get in the studio around 8.30 am. Never know how the day will go with visitors, who always get my full attention. The doors are locked at 6pm and that's the end of my day of work.
 

Do you have any favourite British brands? 

 

Harris Tweed is of course my favourite British brand. The whole history of the cloth and how it is still made today. It's iconic.

 

What are your plans for the future? 

 

To expand my collection in the studio and on line, but most of all to enjoy what I am doing. That's what it is all about......for me.
 

 

Find out more about Maxine and Wheatear at www.wheateartextiles.co.uk