Most of my business is run online, through my website, or the handmade marketplace Holly & Co.

This wasn’t always the case. I used to have an open studio shop in Manchester, but I’m fundamentally too shy to be a good shopkeeper. Sometimes I also participate in exhibitions or shows too. But the internet is my business home, and connecting with customers virtually has different challenges than face-to-face.

The stereotype that every sale makes a maker do a happy dance remains true, though. Years ago, when I had an Etsy shop, the Etsy app used to make a celebratory ‘ka-ching’ till sound when you sold something. It was delightful.

People always say that it’s harder to make connections online, rather than in person. In my opinion, those people haven’t met an introvert! I find it rather difficult to connect in person- words fail me, and I think there’s a disconnect between my inner enthusiasm and my facial expression! My tone of voice doesn’t always hit the mark, either. I’ve heard my sister say things like, ‘no, she genuinely means that’ after I’ve said something I thought was enthusiastic. I’m much better at words when they’re written, not spoken. So I prefer to connect with my customers through email and messages. My customer service is important to me, so I hope I do a good job. And being behind a screen helps me to feel much more at ease than I would be otherwise.