We are thrilled to shine our first spotlight on Trudi Crumley of Tatcho!
If you’ve admired the new St Just map or seen the logo for the St Just & District Chamber of Commerce, Let’s Get Stuffed and our very own Far West Business Network, that’s Trudi’s talent at work. A graphic information designer who moved here in 2019, Trudi launched Tatcho to balance work with family life.
“It’s been so rewarding to get to know the people I help and see the difference it makes,” she says.
Name
Trudi Crumley
Business Name
Tatcho
Tell us about your business – what service or product do you offer?
I’m a graphic designer, so I help local and small businesses improve their visual communication with a professional touch – I design leaflets, posters, websites, logos, stationery, social media tiles, reports and presentations.
How long has your business been running?
I think I started officially in 2022
Why did you start up your business?
I needed to earn money and keep flexible hours to help with childcare. Plus, I love helping people and I have the expertise to be able to, and I love doing graphic design!
Tell us about a time you have taken a leap of faith
Oooh – personally when I left my job and moved to Cornwall with my husband in 2019.
For the business and personally on a smaller scale – getting brave and going networking!
How has your business changed since you began?
It’s growing slowly. I have more available working hours now my daughter is in school. As a person I’m more organised and more confident. I’ve learnt a lot since starting – I have my own website now, and have even added web design to my services!
What do you hope for your business in the future?
I hope to help more people, to have a few more clients as I certainly experience a fair bit of ‘feast or famine’ – would be nice to have a consistent level of work.
I love collaborating with other businesses and have a great relationship with a few locally that I’d like to continue and see where it goes!
What benefits/challenges have you found as a business owner in the Far West of Cornwall (St Just & Pendeen area)
It has been great to be part of a small community, it has taken a bit of bravery to get out there and meet people, but the benefits of that have been huge. I’ve found it so rewarding to really get to know the people I work with and help, and see the difference it makes.
Not too many challenges as my work is mostly from home so I don’t rely on public transport or seasonal/hospitality which a lot of local businesses do. The weather is always a challenge!!
How has being a part of FWBN helped you?
It has been so lovely to meet new people, learn about their businesses and benefit from their wisdom, knowledge or even methods of doing things. I’ve found a few clients through networking but more importantly, friendship and support from like-minded people. I’m glad I got brave! My business and working practice has most certainly grown as a direct result.
Do you have any advice for people starting out?
- Get an online bank account with free accounting software – it really helps with tax returns. Look up ‘Profit First’ as a really good way of managing finances.
- Get yourself a decent logo and website if you are going to be doing any kind of public/business facing business!
- Ask for help – we’ve all been there and are happy to offer help and adviceJoin FWBN!!
Contact Trudi for your design requirements at https://tatcho.co.uk or email her contact@tatcho.co.uk
Want to be the next Spotlight? Or want to join the network? Drop us a line at hello@farwestbusiness.co.uk.