A NEW web and graphic design studio has opened its doors in Desborough.
Poppy Design Studio, which has been run from home by husband and wife team Nigel and Marie Baker for the last four years, marked the opening of its first commercial premises with a launch party for clients and the local business community.
The couple kicked off the celebrations by hosting a Kettering Business Network meeting, which saw 28 people attend. This was followed by a party for clients, suppliers and other business contacts. More than 100 people visited the new space on Victoria Street over the course of the day, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, specially-made cake and a buffet for guests. There was also a private celebration at the studio for friends and family in the evening.
Nigel and Marie Baker started Poppy Design Studio in 2015 after their then 11-year-old daughter Abigail was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1, a condition that sees the lower part of the brain protrude into the spinal canal, causing head or neck pain and trouble with balance or movement. Abigail needed brain surgery and Nigel and Marie were told that she would need a lot of post-operative care.
Marie, a graphic and web designer who has been creating WordPress websites for 15 years, decided that starting her own business would allow her to make a living and care for her daughter. Nigel, an IT engineer, agreed and the two of them set up Poppy Design Studio. Since then the couple have created over 200 WordPress websites, from one-page websites to e-commerce platforms, and built a reputation for creating designs using hand-drawn artwork.
“Moving into an office from home is a massive step for us,” said Marie. “We have a four-week waiting list, have just gone VAT registered and need to take on staff. This space is perfect for us as it allows us to grow further.
“Seeing so many people turn out to support us on our launch day was just wonderful! We feel so lucky and blessed to have such amazing clients, who have become friends and made this possible. It is the start of our expansion and it’s so exciting.”
As well as taking on staff, Poppy Design Studio also intends to expand further with the introduction of WordPress training courses and helping people with their blogging and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) activity. It is also creating a #PDSHUB, which will be a meeting room space available for hire, kitted out with the latest technology to allow for screen sharing and live-streaming.
Nigel added: “The support we have received from the local business community has been overwhelming. Kerry Bate from Polka Dot Events organised the whole day for us from start to finish. Our photographer, Nick Freeman, spent the day with us, filming and taking photos and was amazing throughout. Well Roasted Coffee loaned us a coffee machine and coffee for the day and Maria Smith from 365 Plumbing sorted out some cakes for us. Robyn Allen, Simon Cox and Sarah McCarron from the Kettering Business Network have been an amazing source of support for us too in the run up to the launch and on the day.”
To find out more about Poppy Design Studio see www.poppydesignstudio.com