ericapalfreyman@mytiarashop.co.uk contact: 07729630977 / 01616880867
Company Background.................
My Tiara Shop specialise in Classic and Contemporary Tiaras and Accessories, The creative genius behind this inspirational collection is founder of My Tiara Shop, Erica Palfreyman Ratcliffe, whose career started as a freelance artist in Manchester in the early 90’s. From her creative beginnings Erica realised the company's potential after discovering a niche in the market for unique, competitively priced handcrafted tiaras and accessories.
Erica teamed up with husband David Ratcliffe in 2007 who had a strong design background working for a large hat company in Manchester. The success of this partnership has resulted in the Manchester based company My Tiara Shop.
The Erica Palfreyman Ratcliffe Collection features, Timeless Creations including Handmade Austrian Crystal & Freshwater Pearl Tiaras, Combs and Jewellery and Bespoke Exquisite Design Range including soft Leather buds and petal Tiaras, Combs and Jewellery with Goose, Ostrich and Coque Feathers with intricate metalwork detailing.
Interview with designer and founder of My Tiara Shop
When did you first start making tiaras and why?
I started making tiaras in August 1996, it was quite by accident really, my cousin was getting married and she had set her heart on a beautiful tiara in a Manchester bridal shop. Unfortunately it was too expensive, so I suggested making one for her. That said, I had no prior experience or even where I could source the materials from. Eventually, I found a craft shop in Manchester where I bought glass crystals, pearls and silver plaited wire. As me and my sister were her bridesmaids, I suggested making our tiaras too. Because I wanted to do everything from scratch, I decided to make my own tiara bases. (If only I knew then what I know now!) It would have been far easier to just buy them.
The day of the wedding we all looked amazing in our handmade crystal and pearl cluster tiaras; the only problem being they were really heavy and didn’t stay on our heads: I’d got too carried away with the beading which just emphasised the fact I didn’t really know what I was doing. A relative came to the rescue coming up with the idea of threading elastic through the head band securing them on our heads. Panic over and the day was a success, but by the end of the night when we took off the tiaras we all had headaches and indentations in our head where they had been.
Describe the tiara you wore for your own wedding.
I had been with my husband, Dave, for 11 years before we decided to get married in Las Vegas. It wasn’t a long drawn out process, we literally pulled it together in a matter of months. My outfit was the inspiration for my hair piece, I wore a vintage blouse and floor length organza skirt which I had custom made. My hair piece was very simple, I wore a delicate hair vine handmade from silk cottons and clear Swarovski crystals, I have similar inspired designs in my collection today.
Do you come from a creative background ?
Yes, undoubtedly, my creative beginnings come from my mum who is very creative. I remember the wonderful sketches she used to draw for us. She also worked as a seamstress and she made all our clothes when we were children.
I think this is where my love for fabrics and textures came from.
I was accepted at Cumbria college of Art and Design at 19, after studying for several years at art colleges in Manchester, this was an amazing experience for me, as it helped me get a true understanding of myself and my ability and developed my skills in all areas or arts and crafts.
Have you had any formal training?
Apart from the formal training in textiles, drawing and painting, I have had no formal training in jewellery, so, in that sense I am totally self taught. In the early 90s, after leaving art college, I established myself as a freelance artist, producing contemporary 3 dimensional textile wall panels using Applica embroidery with wire metalwork detailing and beading, I also used other drawing and painting techniques including oil on canvas portraiture.
The theme of my art work was strongly influenced by my curiosity for anything mystical and fairy like, my love for figurative art and the artist Gustav Klimt instigated my creativity.
I began selling my artwork through art galleries and exhibitions in the UK and a client base started to immerge for my work.
My jewellery creations today are strongly influenced by techniques and materials I have used throughout the years, with my own exclusive additions added; the mystical element has never gone away, you only have to glance at my jewellery collection, at its intricate beading and metalwork detail, to unearth the heart that is in of all my designs and is something that I shall cherish for the best part of my life.
You used to teach art in a prison, how does this compare to what you are doing now?
Teaching Art and Design in a prison was an immense learning curve for me, although, undoubtedly it had its moments. When I originally began training to be a teacher in further education I had no idea how demanding yet rewarding it could be. The confidence I gained from teaching, definitely contributes to the success of my company today.
Although working in the tranquillity of my own home is a far cry from standing in front of a class of 30 inmates, I feel my job is still demanding, but the rewards are endless.
What do you love about creating tiaras and jewellery?
The whole creative process excites me as the end product is often a mystery., I enjoy the durability of the metalwork, developing new ideas and sourcing new and exciting materials, it’s fantastic working with all the sparkle and the glitz. Most of all I love meeting the customers and seeing their faces when they see their bespoke design for the first time. It truly makes my job worth while.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere; it could be images I have seen in magazines or on the internet; it could be the colour of an object; or it’s the texture and shape that has inspired me. My customers are also big inspiration , I have had some wild and wonderful request for one off pieces particularly from my bridal ladies.
The majority of my designs come from my own curiosity and by experimenting with different material’s and shapes, I’m always trying to creates new and innovating designs.
How do you get into design mode?
To express myself through my work is very therapeutic for me, I can be an eccentric person and often need something to channel my energy into. To get into design mode is not easy sometimes, often several cups of tea are needed before the creative processes begins.
Because I have an art background, I find it much easier to sketch designs onto paper, I offer this service to all my brides as I find it helpful for me too.
I still work in the same way I did when I was a freelance artist; I often create story boards or mood boards. I am always collecting beads and fabrics and you will often see me manipulating wire into unusual shapes.
Do you have your own studio?
Yes I work from a home studio which is very cluttered, but it is a fantastic space to be in, there are many good things about working from home, one is the overheads are quite low, which enables me to keep my prices competitive. If the business continues to grow, I am considering having a studio built in the garden: This is my dream for the future.
What colours and materials are you loving right now, do you seek inspiration from fashion trends?
As a designer it would be silly not to seek some inspiration from fashion trends to a certain extent because you want to attract a wide market. However, I do get more excited when I come across products or techniques that are new to me rather than the latest fashion on the market. I am more likely to source items I find interesting and unusual rather than materials that have been over used and items with no uniqueness. I endeavour to create designs that are pure and honest and not manipulated or contrived by fashionable trends. Saying that, I love Swarovski crystal especially the 8mm clear Swarovski, I use them all the time in my jewellery; the quality of the crystal is fantastic and shimmers like no other on the market.
Where do you source your beads?
Most of my buying is online from various beading and craft companies in UK and Europe. After much searching, I have found a reliable supplier who I use on a regular basis for my Swarovski crystal and fresh water pearls as I use a lot of these in my work.
You are based in Manchester- a very stylish city- do you think brides are more likely to go for something a bit more dramatic in this part of the UK?
Absolutely, Manchester brides are red hot when it comes to style, I think brides not just in Manchester but all over the country are now wanting something different from your off the peg traditional tiara, they are now opting for a more custom made contemporary design of their own. After all, for most people, your wedding day is a spectacular event and an extremely stylish occasion, its the day you’ve always dreamed of, your one time to show off and be a princess for a day.
Do you have customers from all over the UK or more local?
Because my website enables people to buy on line, I do have lots of customers from all over the UK. That said, exhibitions such as the UK Wedding Shows at Manchester G-Mex and Tatton Park and local Bridal Fairs has generated about 70% of my client base.
What other crafts do you enjoy and do you ever incorporate these into your designs?
I still enjoy painting using oils when I have the time which is not often these days.
Having trained in textiles I frequently apply this to my designs incorporating layered appliqués and embroidery techniques which have derived from my earlier work as a freelance artist. This is noticeable especially in my silk sinamay and leather design pieces.
Your designs are very unique but what is your favourite style?
I think many of my pieces are a collaboration of styles rolled into one, I like the idea of mixing soft vintage leather with sparkling Swarovski crystals, I also like the texture of the silk sinamay fabric against the glitz’s and glamour of the diamante beads, I think that contrast in design gives an amazing look .
What is your favourite tiara in your collection?
I love most of my new designs, but I think my favourite is the Aroma Leather Tiara.
Where did you get the idea for using leather in your tiaras?
I had used leather many times whilst at college and has a freelance artist. I think leather is a beautiful material, it is so easy to manipulate and I can produce some fantastic results. I decided to make a leather tiara because I felt it was a very fresh idea for the bridal market
What does the future hold for you and the business, any plans to give up the day job?
From a hobby that started over a decade ago, My Tiara Shop was once a dream of mine, now it is reality. Our first year of trading has certainly been a journey of discovery, we have had so much help and support from family and friends to get this small bespoke company up and running. There have been many occasions, where I have worked well into the night making new designs for the website.
From our first big wedding show at Manchester G-Mex in October last year, My Tiara Shop has gone from strength to strength and I have orders that will take me into 2010. I believe I am getting more recognition now because there is a demand for more unique bespoke bridal headwear and jewellery. I have now finished the Spring/Summer collection and I am currently working on the Autumn/Winter 09 collection
We are still a young business and my evening part time job not only helps subsidise this, but it also helps to keep me focussed, so no I have no plans for giving it up just yet. Yes, doing the two jobs is hard and I doubt it will get easier as demand for my designs is growing, but I am thoroughly enjoying the moment and I look forward to the challenges ahead
