In her regular column on local small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets a partnership that’s not afraid to be different

From personal requests to create fun pictures for friends, a husband and wife team have launched a brand new creative business – amusingly called Baldy and the Fidget.

Founders Angus and Heidi Griffin (they like you to guess who is Baldy and who is Fidget) produce unique hand-drawn prints and bespoke works of art. They seem to be doing something right – their museum-quality design prints have been selling fast during the 12 months since setting up the business.

Heidi explained: “Creativity is important in our lives, we realised that after the birth of our son in 2015. We saw an opportunity use our many books of ideas, sketches and scribbles into something fun that we would love and others would love too.

“Baldy and the Fidget gives us the chance to share our many ideas to decorate a home, child’s nursery or to treat a loved one.”

The team operate from their Leyton studio and work in very different ways, which they feel makes their work distinct from other designers. Angus works digitally and Heidi hand-draws traditionally, using her trusty sketchbook. It makes for an eclectic mix of modern and traditional prints and includes a personalised and commissioned service.

Angus said: “Setting up was exciting and we had to juggle between shifts of looking after our baby. It can be quite a challenge to switch on creatively during nap times!”

They both feel that one of their best decisions so far has been to be true to themselves and stick with what they enjoy, rather than create what is the current trend.

Heidi said: “In fact that’s some advice that I would pass on other entrepreneurs – you will never be able to please everyone, so stick to your guns and try not to lose your own identity.”

Angus and Heidi are actively planning for the next year and have a few surprises in the making – still under wraps – that they hope will put the company on the map.

“We’re heading into our second year of trading with the benefit of a huge learning curve behind us,” added Heidi. “And some exciting plans ahead!”

For more information about Baldy and the Fidget:

Visit baldyandthefidget.com

Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?

Email [email protected]

Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk

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