Sam Weir
Sam is part of family-run business Karelia House Yarn and Fabric, based near Aberfeldy, Perthshire.
Getting Started
Sam Weir runs Karelia House Yarn and Fabric along with her mum, Shirley, who set up the business over 15 years ago when someone mentioned to her that there was nowhere in the Aberfeldy area with quality fabrics or yarn for crafters.
This passion for her hobby is shared by a large community of avid knitters and quilters, which means they are now one of Scotland’s premier crafting destinations.
“We are very proud that we have created a destination like no other, says Sam. “It’s wall to wall inspiration and crafting joy. Every day we are very mindful that our customers come to Karelia House to enjoy the experience, to find new ideas for their hobby and escape the hassles of everyday life.”
The Enterprise Journey
The hobbies of sewing and knitting are not static ones, as some may suppose, but keep on moving forward, from technologically advanced embroidery and sewing machines to beautifully balanced driftwood knitting needles. Sam attributes some of their success to being able to keep up with the latest trends and technology. “We embrace all things new and innovative in crafting,” she says.
It’s not just crafting that’s always evolving though, and some changes present more of a challenge. Same explains: “I think when you run your own business you are ever evolving with how you should do things and what systems work.”
“I think our biggest learning curve has been the website and its performance – it remains a work in progress for our business, as it can swallow up money very rapidly for very little return. The good thing about mistakes is you learn valuable lessons.”
This approach has helped the business overcome the recent challenges of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. “Lockdown made us expand on social media with live sessions and we have carried this on,” says Sam.
“We have adapted and in many ways it has been a good thing as we see how important peoples hobbies are to their mental health and general wellbeing.”
Support Along the Way
Sam is grateful for the support they’ve given each other as a family, and also the help and advice from GrowBiz: “As a family of entrepreneurs, we draw together on all our experiences, this has kept driving the business forward.
“GrowBiz has been a fantastic help, especially when we hit stumbling blocks such as recruitment, website design and performance and general shop presentation.
“They’re very knowledgeable professional people and they are only a phone call or email away.”
Looking to the Future
Karelia House is making sustainability a priority, aiming to be paperless, use recyclable packaging and work with their suppliers for ethically sourced produce. Their ethos is ‘buy the best you can afford’ and ‘use the best ingredients for the best results.’
Sam explains: “By buying quality, you make it is more sustainable and the likelihood is it lasts longer. People are very conscious of sustainability. Making your own product reduces wastage and making something for someone is creates a personal, treasured item.”
In the future, Sam and Shirley also want to grow the online side of their business, and increase their opening hours to six days week. This would mean expanding the current team, and Sam puts a lot of emphasis on finding the right people: “We are currently a small team, and specialist skills are helpful, but anyone can learn with the right mindset and attitude.
“As an employer, I look for people with enthusiasm, good work ethic and a willingness to learn.”
She also has some advice for those thinking of going self employed: “It takes character, resilience and drive to keep going. If you are someone who loves challenges thrown at you from all directions all at once – this life is for you. We personally love it.”
