Meet the Maker - La'flicks Design
Tell us a little about your journey!
Hi, I'm Shola—wife, mum of two, IT professional, and the creative heart behind the Brand.
My crafting journey began in 2003 while I was on maternity leave with my first child. At the time, millinery was becoming increasingly popular, so I decided to learn the art of hat making. I had the privilege of studying under the incredibly talented Rose Cory, the renowned milliner to the late Queen Mother. Under her guidance, I developed a wide range of millinery skills, and my work was featured in leading wedding magazines.
Creativity has always been part of who I am. I genuinely love making beautiful, handcrafted pieces and bringing ideas to life. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a finished creation and knowing it will bring joy to someone else.
My passion is creating unique, high-quality handcrafted products that combine style, craftsmanship, and affordability. Every piece is made with care and attention to detail, ensuring you receive something truly special—without paying a premium price.
Thank you for being part of the journey. I can't wait to create something you'll love.
(Here is a picture of me at Excel Wedding Exhibition October 2019 - that was a very busy 3 day sprint)
Like many small business owners, I've balanced growing my creative business alongside a full-time career in IT. With bills to pay, you can probably guess which one often took priority! 😊
Over the years, however, my passion for creating has never faded. I've expanded beyond millinery into a wider range of handcrafted gifts, personalised products, and stationery, allowing the brand to grow and evolve with me.
Today, I'm focused on turning that lifelong passion into a thriving business—creating beautiful, high-quality handmade products that bring joy to my customers while staying true to the creativity and craftsmanship that inspired me from the very beginning.
Where do you make your creations?
Every creation is lovingly made from my home studio here in Kent—otherwise known as my shed, my den, and sometimes even my dining room table!
This is where the magic happens. Whether I'm painting, working with resin, cutting, gluing, designing, or adding those all-important finishing touches, every item is handmade with care and attention to detail.
I love being involved in every stage of the creative process. From the first idea to the final product, each piece is crafted by hand to ensure it's as unique and special as the person receiving it.
What is your favourite product to make?
That's an easy one—commissioned pieces, every time!
There's something incredibly special about working with a customer who has a vision for a unique, personalised creation. Often, they'll describe their ideas through messages, photos, or even just a few words, and it's my job to bring that vision to life.
The most rewarding moment is seeing their reaction when the finished piece is exactly what they imagined—or even better. Receiving heartfelt feedback from happy customers makes all the time, care, and creativity that goes into each commission truly worthwhile.
It's these personal projects that remind me why I love what I do.
Definitely, you know that is customer satisfaction at a different level.
What are your production methods?
Every product is carefully handcrafted using high-quality materials and made to the highest standard. Because each item is handmade, no two pieces are ever exactly the same—it's this individuality that makes every creation truly unique.
We work with a wide variety of materials, including faux flowers, naturally dried flowers, MDF wood, resin, crystal, vinyl, glitter, and more. Each material is thoughtfully selected to create beautiful, long-lasting personalised gifts and keepsakes.
From design to the finishing touches, every stage of the process is completed with care, precision, and attention to detail. Whether you're looking for a bespoke gift or a personalised keepsake, you'll find a wide range of handcrafted creations across our collection, each made with passion and creativity.
What inspires your work?
Inspiration comes from everywhere—everyday life, my surroundings, the internet, and the world around me. Creativity can be found in the simplest things, and I love turning ideas into something beautiful and meaningful.
What I create may not be completely new, but I believe it is the quality, care, and attention to detail that makes each piece stand out. Every item is made with love and a personal touch, ensuring it feels special to the person receiving it.
I also have a real love for colour! Bright, vibrant colours bring me joy, and I believe we could all use a little more colour in our lives. My aim is to create pieces that not only look beautiful but also bring happiness and positivity into your space.
How long does it take for your orders?
Orders generally fall into two categories: Ready to Ship and Custom Orders.
Ready to Ship
These are items that have already been handmade and are ready to be dispatched. They are perfect for those last-minute gift purchases, with most orders being posted within 3 days.
Some ready-to-ship items may be available for additional personalisation. Please note that once personalisation is added, the dispatch time may be longer as your item will need to be customised before being sent.
Custom Orders
Custom orders are pieces created specifically to your requirements, giving you the opportunity to gift something truly personal and unique.
Many of our products can be customised, allowing you to choose details that make your gift extra special. Depending on the complexity of the design and materials required, production times can range from 3 days to 2 weeks, and in some cases up to 6 weeks.
Every custom creation is carefully made to ensure it meets your expectations and becomes a memorable keepsake.
And finally, lets end on a high.
Do you sell your work and where?
Yes, you can find us in a few different places! I started my journey selling on Etsy, as it has always been known as a platform that celebrates handmade and creative businesses. However, as Etsy continues to grow and become more commercialised, I felt it was time to create a space that truly represents my brand.
My focus is now on growing my own online store, where customers can explore the full range of creations and experience the brand directly. My website allows me to connect more closely with my customers and showcase my personalised handmade gifts in a way that reflects the care and creativity behind every piece.
I also love connecting with customers through social media, including Instagram and Facebook, and I'm always open to working with influencers, creatives, and like-minded businesses through collaborations.
Of course, nothing beats the power of recommendations, and word of mouth continues to be one of the most valuable ways for small businesses like mine to grow. You can also find selected creations through other handmade platforms.
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I hope you've enjoyed getting to know more about my journey and the story behind my Brand.
Behind every creation is a passion for creativity, colour, and making something special for someone else. I love supporting and being part of the handmade community, and I'm excited to continue sharing my work with you.
Don't miss the next feature in this series! I haven't decided who will be joining me yet, so watch this space.
If you would like your small business to be featured, leave a comment or get in touch. Let's continue celebrating and supporting small businesses together.