A FORMER nurse has realised a childhood dream after opening her own sewing shop in Builth Wells.
Hazel Martin has been sewing since she was 7-years-old. Now in her 60s, she left a nursing and caring career 6 years ago and was enjoying her retirement.
Then, through selling her clothing and other products at the Corner Collective over the last 18 months, she decided to take the plunge and open her own shop.
The Silver Pig opened at No22 High Street on November 1, selling fabrics, craft supplies and preloved clothing. But, Hazel also offers a range of sewing and dressmaking workshops and classes in a fully-equipped sewing studio, which she describes as “my happy place”.
“I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl and I always wanted my own sewing shop,” said Hazel, who was inspired to open up after being involved with the Corner Collective.
“I was there as a maker and this shop came up, so I thought perhaps this is the time, my last adventure. I retired six years ago.
“Sewing’s been a lifelong passion, I’ve been doing it 60 years. I’ve always made my own clothes, as well as bears and dolls, quilting and embroidery.
“I thought it would be nice to pass on those skills. What’s great is that I’ve been getting a lot of young women coming on the courses. It’s a skill that has been revamped in recent years.”
Hazel first showcased her talents at fellow High Street shop the Corner Collective – which sells and promotes the products made by local artists and crafters.
It was through selling her products and undertaking voluntary shifts there – as all makers are asked to do – that gave her the confidence to open her own shop.
“Being there gave me the confidence to think ‘I can do this’ and to open up my own shop,” she said.
“I’ve had years of health issues, my back is crumbling and I have fibromyalgia, so when I first started I wasn’t comfortable doing a shift and I use to cry off.
“I was walking around on crutches and everything was so difficult. But, after 18 months there, I’ve rebuilt my confidence and I’m like a new person. I am how I was 10 years ago.
“It’s really helped my physical and mental health, and this shop is now my happy place.”
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Despite her passion for needlework, Hazel detested learning to sew in school, so she offers an alternative approach to teaching.
“I hated the judgement in school and how you had to be perfect; you were made to feel useless,” she said.
“My approach is there is no right or wrong, there’s no mistakes or judgement, you free range it.
“I give them guidance but they can go off-piste and I’ll maybe help them pick up the pieces.
“It’s lovely to inspire them and make them feel they can do something, after years of being told it’s not been done right.”
Despite realising a dream, Hazel described the Silver Pig’s opening month as “a disaster”, after roadworks turned Builth into a ghost town, at the busiest time of year for businesses.
“It’s been a disastrous opening but I’m here and it will work,” she said.
“If I didn’t have the workshops, I think maybe having a shop wouldn’t work, but come the spring I expect things to improve.
“I have the shop and I try to acquire things I can sell at a sensible price, because I’m all about reducing waste and recycling.
“A lot of stock is stashes from people who’ve maybe passed away and the family don’t know what to do with it.
“Everything can be re-sold on, to people who love crafting and sewing.”
Pop in to see Hazel in the shop. Alternatively, check out the Facebook page or search @thesilverpigbuilth on Instagram.
