Peterborough crafting and stationery business Mama Makes is celebrating a month of recognition, having won the Arts and Creative Business category at The Small Business Awards, received Highly Commended in the Retail category and been selected as a winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday initiative.
Founded by Loti Fuster-Bradley in 2017, Mama Makes combines fun stationery with practical crafting tools and welcoming community events. Its purpose is to help people keep doing something they love, whether through tools designed to make crafting easier or a shared table where new friendships can begin.
The business develops tools with people who experience dexterity difficulties in mind, aiming to make crafting more manageable for those who are beginners or no longer able to craft. The Mama Makes product range includes acrylic journalling tools alongside stickers, washi tapes, journalling pads and clear stamps, all designed by Loti and her husband.
Mama Makes also hosts monthly Coffee & Create and Make & Mingle events for the local community. Inspired by Loti’s own experience of loneliness while working remotely full time, the events offer a welcoming space to get creative, share ideas and build friendships. The gatherings take place at The Coffee Hive in Fletton and Starbucks in Hampton.
Mama Makes has also been recognised through Small Business Sunday, known as ‘SBS’, the initiative founded by retail entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis to champion small businesses. The recognition offers another opportunity to introduce people to Mama Makes’ products and crafting community.
Loti Fuster-Bradley, founder of Mama Makes, said:
“I’m incredibly proud to receive these awards and recognition. Crafting can be so good for our mental wellbeing. It gives us a chance to slow down, express ourselves and spend time with others. I want people to have somewhere they feel welcome, where they can make something and enjoy being part of a community.”
“When dexterity becomes a challenge, I don’t want people to feel they have to give up the craft they love. My aim is to create tools that make it easier to carry on, or to encourage beginners to give it a go.”
“Being recognised by Theo Paphitis through Small Business Sunday is also a wonderful boost. Having someone champion your small business means so much, and I’m excited for more people to discover what we do and grow the crafting community I’ve built.”
“Mama Makes celebrates 10 years, next year. These awards are a lovely way to celebrate the journey and everyone who has been part of it.”
