Three months ago, Chloe McGenn was talking to the newspapers about surviving depression and starting a new business. Now, her shop, Life's Big Canvas, is celebrating its first anniversary with a new look and an award!

“The Leeds Retail Awards are voted for by the public, so it's the people I connect with who have voted for me as Best Jewellery, which means more than an award from a panel of experts”

Chloe was also runner-up in the best retail assistant award category, and Life's Big Canvas recently moved into a new space inside Bird's Yard, which has more walls and surfaces for treasures. It even has a fireplace, which Chloe has filled with her handsewn toys.

“I love having a window, but even more so, I love that this space is all mine instead of sharing it. I feel like I'm developing all the time, and being in my own space, with new suppliers and volunteers working with me has been the biggest step yet.”

So what's next for Chloe? “I'm in talks with new stockists about having my collection spread further afield, although I'm already stocked in Otley and Dorset. Fashion blogger The Fashion Turd featured some of my recycled toy jewellery in her first video broadcast. My latest jewellery collection is called Millie Mellifera, and is a continuation of the time travelling doctor theme I launched in July.”

For those not familiar, Chloe's jewellery collections are all based around characters she creates, making each collection slightly different to the last.

“Regular customers get to hear the latest exploits of Dr Mellifera already, so they're going to be excited to meet his wife!”

Visit lifesbigcanvas.co.uk to find out more.

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