Stib Meets...The Creative Duck

This week, Stib Meets had the pleasure of chatting to the brilliant team behind The Creative Duck, which brings together the creative community in and around Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire & hosts regular talks from experts to inspire creative businesses and makers.

Stib Meets... Nicola Nott

After studying Textile design at Nottingham Trent University, Nicola worked for over 15 years in the fashion Industry.  Most recently as product development manager at Burberry.  Nicola now lives in Henley and is mainly managing her two children but hoping to very soon begin work on her own small start-up company.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to do something creative.  Art was the one subject I was good at. I didn’t know the scope out there for Creative careers at the time so it was always going to be a bit of a mystery.

What advice would you give yourself as a child?
A perm will not make you look like Kelly McGillis.  Plus, work hard at what you enjoy, if you enjoy it you will enjoy your job.

What was your big idea which inspired you to set up your business?
There wasn’t a big idea as such, it just felt right.  I’m able to use skills I have picked up in my career, I get to work with and meet lots of great people, it’s inspiring to be back in the creative world, plus I get to do it all around the school drop off and pick up!

What do you say to yourself when you need a confidence boost?
“How hard can it really be?”

What’s your favourite Stib word and why?
Joy Finder - I always look on the bright side of things.

Stib Meets... Sarah Gilbert

Sarah studied Marketing at Northumbria University before working as an account handler within a London marketing agency for six years. She then retrained to be a teacher and enjoyed five years teaching in Cookham before setting up Box of Smiles, a personalised gift box business. www.box-of-smiles.co.uk / @boxofsmilesgifts

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Aged seven - a punk rock hairdresser (I really remember this, no idea why). I then studied marketing and knew I could work in this area as the combination of creative work and project management really appealed to me. 

What advice would you give yourself as a child?
Don't worry about making mistakes. They're a valuable lesson in themselves. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and flower print Lycra flares are not a good look! 

What was your 'big idea' which inspired you to set up your business?
To support and inspire other local creatives that are in the same boat (I was working on Box of Smiles and really wanted to develop a community of like-minded people to help each other grow together). 

What do you say to yourself when you need a confidence boost?
I try to look at the positive around me and remind myself how lucky I am. "You've got it good girl, dig in" would be my little pep talk. 

What's your favourite Stib word and why?
Storyteller - because we all have the capability of being brilliant storytellers. We just need to remember to feed our imaginations with variety and learn how to look at things differently. From his tatty sofa in his small but perfectly formed shed, Roald Dahl was able to transfer his remarkably vivid imagination into stories that everyone should read, young and old. 

Stib Meets... Joanna McGinn

Former Travel & Arts editor at fashion trends forecasters WGSN.com, Joey spent 10 years travelling the globe writing city & culture guides, before having two children and going freelance.  She now runs her own vintage china and cake company Mrs Min's Vintage, with her sister; and works as a writer, lecturer and content editor. www.mrsminsvintage.co.uk @mrsminsvintage

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A fashion designer

What advice would you give yourself as a child?
Not to worry about the future

What was your 'big idea' which inspired you to set up your business?
People crave a sense of community

What do you say to yourself when you need a confidence boost?
What's the worst thing that can happen? 

What's your favourite Stib word and why?
Joy finder, because that's how you find happiness in the everyday.

Find out more about the Creative Duck at www.thecreativeduck.co.uk and follow them @thecreativeduck on Facebook and Instagram.