Love of letters inspired internet homeware shop

Oct 1 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A FORMER graphic designer has returned to work after raising a family to start an online business selling original homeware.

Frances King has started Typografika an internet-based shop selling original home accessories and giftware celebrating the art and craft of type.

She said: “I like to seek out the individuality in everyday utilitarian items, which are beautifully decorative or are simply quirky and interesting.”

After sourcing these from craftspeople and selected wholesalers who sell in small numbers to ensure originality and quality, Frances, who is from Grangetown in Sunderland, makes them available via her website, alongside other unique items including reclaimed vintage goods.

Having worked previously as an arts development officer and graphic designer, Frances has taken time out of work to raise her family for the past seven years, during which time she has also researched and developed her ideas for Typografika.

Frances said: “My background in arts and graphics showed me how attractive, decorative and just plain handy letters and numbers can be, and my time as a ‘stay at home mum’ allowed me to tentatively explore the idea of starting a business.

“However, it was not until I began working with advisers at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) that I gained essential insight into the practical ‘nuts and bolts’ areas of business such as pricing, cash flow forecasting, legal issues and bookkeeping.”

Margaret Cook, business adviser at the North East BIC, said: “Typografika is representative of a new generation of retailers, which allow their customers to sit down with a cuppa in the comfort of their own home and source the different and unusual, all in one place.

“E-tailing, as it is becoming known, also provides a convenient, efficient, ethical and eco-friendly method of trading in a time of growing awareness.”