“20 minutes with Vashma Bolton”, Founder of Crafty Parents

Interview with Vashma Bolton, Founder of craftyparents.co.uk.

Can you tell us how your business came about and the inspiration behind it?

Crafty Parents was born from my desire to balance the demands of a high-pressure career with motherhood. As a way to reclaim my “guilt free “me time,” I turned to crochet. The inspiration came from wanting to create handmade items for parents, like me, who want something meaningful and eco-friendly for their children. My brand is about celebrating creativity and giving parents a sense of calm through crafting.

What sets your products/service apart from others in the market?

My focus is on eco-friendly materials and sustainable crafting. Each item is handmade by me, using vibrant colours that are often missing from traditional baby products.

“My hope is that these products will become little keepsakes to be handed down through generations, like the blankets my mum used to knit for me.”

What were the biggest challenges and turning points you encountered in the journey so far?

One of the biggest challenges has been juggling business growth with family life. The turning point came when I embraced the idea that this business is an extension of my personal journey as a mum—

“it’s okay for it to grow slowly.”

Partnering with other small businesses and finding a community of like-minded small business owners, especially other mums, has also been crucial in overcoming those challenges.

What are your current focus areas for the business?

Now, we’re refreshing the Crafty Parents brand to reflect my values of affordability, sustainability, and community support. I’m also expanding our product range to include more diverse, eco-friendly items, and I’m focusing on building stronger engagement through social media to connect with more parents.

What advice would you give to other aspiring parent entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to start small and keep things personal. Building a business while raising kids is a journey—don’t rush it. Focus on what you’re passionate about, and remember that connecting with your customers authentically can make all the difference.

Interview with Vashma Bolton