The owner of a 'hidden treasure' Nottinghamshire shop has opened up about his success after being recognised with a national award. David Humphreys, who has a background of 25 years in manufacturing engineering, said his life changed for the better when he set up his business.
The 59-year-old, from Chilwell, who owns Created By Hand at Strelley Hall, said: "It does not feel like I have worked a day since I (left) my last job. It is true what they say - if you find something you love you will never work a day in your life.
"And I absolutely felt that since I have started the shop. It has been incredibly hard work and stress at times but I would not have changed it", said Mr Humphreys.
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It is a success story that started in a "very small shop" in Chilwell, about nine years ago. "We moved to Strelley Hall in 2016. And next year, it will be our tenth anniversary", said the proud owner.
The name of the store describes the core of Mr Humphrey's business. He added: "The name of the business literally means what it says. Everything in the shop is handmade by local and regional makers and artists."
He sells items handcrafted by more than 35 artists in the region including glassware, mosaics, wooden and metal items. "We also run workshops as well - so some of the artists that sell through the shop, they have such a passion that they actually want to teach their crafts as well."
His business started from a passion for glass sculpture, glassware and mosaics. Mr Humphreys also sells his own creations in the shop.
Now, Created by Hand has been recognised through an award last Sunday, July 2 at the England Business Awards- in the East Midlands category. To this day, Mr Humphreys said he does not know who nominated him.
Votes have been cast and a mystery shopper was sent to "assess the services we have got", said Mr Humphreys. The grand finale will take place in November, in Birmingham.
Mr Humphreys added: "People like buying and appreciate the quality and uniqueness that we have in our store. A lot of it is going to be just one-offs just because of the nature of our work - everything is handmade.
"It is for people that want something different - something they have not seen before." Mr Humphreys has listed a number of items that shoppers can expect to see in the store.
These include jewellery made of old cutlery, metalworks recycled from old brake discs and old railings. "It is not the sort of thing of a high street shop. Strelley Hall is a bit of a hidden treasure and people come here expecting something different."
