From shop assistant to ceramic designer

Esme Talbot feels proud that her products are designed and made in her home city of Stoke-on-Trent

When Esme Talbot gave up her job with Mothercare to start her own ceramic design firm it felt like a real step into the unknown.

But, after 11 years of hard work the risk has paid off, in the shape of a contract with Next to produce a homeware range, created in her home city of Stoke-on-Trent.

Ms Talbot recalled that during a shift hanging clothes, she thought, "I would want something more quirky for my kids," so decided to leave.

Now, her firm Scruffy Little Herbert is about to get international exposure for its home-inspired products.

The work began in 2013, when Ms Talbot taught herself to screen print and tested designs inspired by the Potteries landscape and Staffordshire humour.

"Essentially, its about the feeling of home and nostalgia," she said.

The business name was inspired by a children's story about the Staffordshire Hoard, a theme she is still keen to explore.

Her own children "love" the business - which started with clothing before focusing on ceramics - and have been inspired to create their own designs.

"They're always drawing their own little bottle kilns on things," she laughed.

Ms Talbot is very pleased the Next range is being made in Stoke, given the city's industrial heritage.

She said building the business to a high-street standard has taken a lot of hard work, particularly given the cost of living crisis.

"The last few years has been a bit tougher to be a small business," she explained. "But it's always stayed going because it is my passion."

Her increasingly popular designs caught they eye of global retailer Next, and it was the retailer that approached her to ask for the first meeting.

Ms Talbot said the retail giant is keen to work with "up-and-coming designers, illustrators and small businesses because the want to support independents."

"When I actually had to announce it, I was just so excited to let everyone know," she beamed. "It's took a lot of hard work to get them there, but we're there!"