“I knew I wanted to
start my own business
and be my own boss.
I was lucky enough to
sell some dolls to a shop
on the King’s Road
whilst I was studying”
Originally from Aberdeen, Donna moved to
London to study for an MA in Constructed
Textiles at the Royal College of Art. It seems
she was always destined for success, even
before she graduated she was selling her
beautiful creations.
“I knew I wanted to start my own business
and be my own boss. I was lucky enough to
sell some dolls to a shop on the King’s Road
whilst I was studying,” she explains. “It was
only about 20 a month but it helped pay
my rent,” she laughs. “My tutor was really
supportive and it really helped me stay
focused during my studies. I knew what I was
aiming for.”
Donna’s business has grown dramatically
since then and she is fast beco ming a
household name. She is now stocked by
some major retailers, including Liberty’s and
John Lewis (and others across the globe).
However, despite this, Donna remains
incredibly humble and likes to stay true to
her playful designs.
I'm inspired by less conventional creatures
as well as children's drawings as they tend
to be so naïve, with five legs and ten eyes.
They manage to capture such humour and
innocence, she explains. I think my favourite
character is Cyril Squirrel -Fox. He is one of
my earliest creations and I continue to make
him. He's also quite famous, she laughs. He's
been on Location, Location, Location’ and
‘Harry Hill’. I think people like his big nose
and big tail.”