Celebrating One Year of Creativity and Community

One year ago, I stood nervously outside my little shop in the heart of town, feeling a mix of excitement and sheer terror—almost as if it were my wedding day. I had no idea what to expect but was overwhelmed by how many people turned up to support my new venture. My friend had baked cupcakes for the customers, and there was even a surprise visit from my primary school teacher, someone I hadn’t seen in 20 years. She brought a card and a voucher, and I had to hold back the tears.

For the first time, I allowed myself to feel proud of my achievement. I had always been hesitant to speak up or claim my worth, but seeing so many people come to see my art—including my signature watercolour maps of the Outer Hebrides—in a shop I had poured my heart and soul into renovating, made me realise that I could achieve anything. It was a moment of transformation and pride, one I will never forget.

The Journey to Opening the Shop

After COVID, I started expanding my artwork into other shops, but the commissions from sales added up quickly. That’s when the idea struck me: why not open my own shop? There was this tiny, long-closed shop in town, and I managed to track down the owner to get the keys. It’s true what they say: if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Renovating the shop was the biggest challenge I’d ever taken on. I had zero DIY experience but found myself sanding, priming, and painting, trying to hire tradespeople, and learning about cash registers and receipt printers—all while investing thousands into stock and decor. It was nerve-wracking, especially since I didn’t have paperwork confirming the shop would be mine. I simply had to trust that it would all work out. Looking back, it was worth every stressful moment.

Community Support and Memorable Moments

One of the most rewarding aspects of running the shop has been the incredible support from both locals and tourists. Locals often pop in for gifts to remind them of home or to take with them when visiting the mainland. Tourists love the coasters, stickers, and other keepsakes that capture their travels around the islands. My collection of watercolour maps—especially those highlighting the Outer Hebrides—has been a particular favorite.

Some moments stand out more than others. One day, a young boy around six years old came in with his mother and picked out a Lewis & Harris coaster. He whispered to his mum, and she told me he wanted me to sign it because his name was Lewis. Seeing his excitement about his roots and art at such a young age left me smiling for days. Another time, a family commissioned a personalized map of the Hebridean Way for their mother’s 70th birthday. They presented it to her in the shop after completing the route, and the surprise brought her to tears. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

This past year has taught me that hard work and determination truly pay off. While the decision to renovate someone else’s shop came with its challenges, it opened doors I never thought possible. It expanded my audience, led to exciting commissions, and gave me the confidence to embrace my identity as a Scottish artist.

Initially, I had dreams of taking over the world—of having my art in shops globally. But over time, I’ve realised I’m happiest keeping my business small and boutique. I want to focus on creating personal, meaningful orders and sharing customers’ stories through my art and social media. My shop has given me proof that I’m not the negative things my mind once told me. It’s allowed me to redefine success on my own terms.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the community. My friend Louise helped me tackle the shop renovation, even braving some dodgy DIY electrics. The Racca family took me in as one of their own when I lived in France and set me on this path of rediscovering my love for the Hebrides. My mother, who handwrote countless addresses before I had a label printer, has been a constant source of encouragement. And of course, to everyone who has bought something, liked a post, or even just popped into the shop to say hello—thank you. Your support means the world to me.

As I look ahead to another year, I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and sharing the beauty of the Hebrides through my watercolour maps and art. Here’s to more coasters signed for little Lewises, more stories told through maps, and more moments that make it all worthwhile.