The Story Behind Rockways Designs

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Every small business has a story, and ours began quite simply – with boredom, creativity, and a desire to make something with my hands.

Back in 2018, I started making jewellery as a hobby. What began as a way to pass the time quickly became something I genuinely enjoyed. I loved the process of creating unique pieces and seeing ideas come to life.

As my confidence grew, I decided to take the next step.

Opening My Etsy Shop

At the beginning of 2019, I opened my first Etsy shop and officially started selling my handmade jewellery online.

Like many small business owners, I began with modest expectations. I was excited every time an order came through and enjoyed connecting with customers who appreciated handmade products.

During the summer of 2019, I also started attending local craft fairs and outdoor markets. These events gave me the opportunity to meet customers face-to-face, receive feedback on my products, and learn more about what people were looking for.

The experience proved invaluable and helped shape the future of the business.

A Move into the Indoor Market

In September 2019, an opportunity arose to move into a stall within the Indoor Market.

Having a permanent space allowed me to display my products every day and become part of a community of independent traders. It was a huge step forward from occasional markets and fairs. I added some bought-in product lines, including bath bombs, soap, some sweet ornaments, and other home type items.

I remained there until June of the following year when an even bigger opportunity presented itself.

Taking the Leap into My Own Shop

In June 2020, I signed a three-year lease on my own shop.

It was an exciting and slightly daunting moment. Running a shop meant expanding the product range again and giving customers even more choice.

Alongside the ranges I stocked in the market, I began creating my own bath and body products including:

• Bath bombs

• Handmade soaps

• Hand cream

I also introduced a variety of carefully selected products from other suppliers to complement my handmade range, such as wall art, large dragon ornaments and more.

One of those product ranges would end up changing the direction of the business completely.

The Mug That Started It All

Among the products I stocked was a collection of 14 mugs featuring different dog breeds.

They proved popular, but there was one problem.

Customers would regularly ask if I had a their favourite breed.

Unfortunately, the answer was often no.

I only had the breeds that were included in the range, which meant many dog owners couldn't find the breed they loved.

After hearing the same question time and time again, I started to think:

"What if I created my own?"

Instead of relying on someone else's designs, I could produce mugs featuring exactly the breeds my customers wanted.

That simple idea marked the beginning of the next chapter of Rockways Designs.

Learning to Print My Own Mugs

I invested in the equipment needed to create my own printed mugs and began designing and producing them myself.

The freedom this gave me was incredible.

Rather than being limited to a small collection of breeds, I could create new designs whenever customers requested them.

Each new breed added to the collection helped grow the range and gave customers more opportunities to find something that reflected their own beloved pets.

Over time, mugs became a major part of the business and a product that customers actively sought out.

Adapting and Moving Online

After four years in the shop, it was time for another change.

I decided to leave the premises and focus on building the business online.

During this period, Rockways Designs expanded across multiple online platforms. At one stage, products were available on four different selling platforms, helping introduce the business to customers across the UK.

I also continued attending craft fairs and markets, enjoying the opportunity to meet customers in person and showcase new designs.

Returning to the Indoor Market

In October 2024, I returned to the Indoor Market, where Rockways Designs is still based today.

Coming back felt like returning to my roots while bringing years of experience and a much larger product range with me.

The business has evolved enormously since those early jewellery-making days.

Rockways Designs Today

Today, Rockways Designs offers more than 250 different mug designs, all created in-house using my own artwork and ideas.

One of the largest collections features dog breeds, with an incredible 105 different dogs currently available.

From popular family favourites to less common breeds, the range continues to grow as customers request new additions.

In fact, there's always a list of breeds waiting to be designed and added to the collection.

Alongside the dog range, I continue to create wildlife-themed designs featuring animals such as Barn Owls, Kingfishers, Hedgehogs, Foxes, Highland Cows, Hares, Red Kites and many more.

Our latest additions, much requested, are guinea pigs and donkeys!

Of course mugs are not the only thing we print - we also design coasters, clocks, thermal mugs, aluminium water bottles, notebooks and greetings cards. And we now sell mugs, coasters and cards wholesale, so you may see them in other shops around the UK!

Looking Ahead

When I started making jewellery in 2018, I could never have imagined where the journey would lead.

What began as a hobby has grown into a business that has traded online, attended countless markets and fairs, operated from both market stalls and a shop, and developed hundreds of original designs.

The business continues to evolve, but one thing remains the same: a passion for creating products that people genuinely enjoy.

Whether you're discovering Rockways Designs for the first time or you've been supporting the business for years, thank you for being part of the journey so far.