Meet Make Your Own Happy
Meet Donna, the maker behind Make Your Own Happy, an embroidery business born from a love of folk art, storytelling, and mindful creativity. Starting from her kitchen table, she designs accessible embroidery kits and workshops that bring a little magic to everyday life.
Tell us a bit about your background and why you started your creative business.
I’ve always loved making with my hands, but for a long time, creativity was something I squeezed in around work and life. I used to be a teacher, but I found myself craving a slower, more mindful way of spending my time. Embroidery became that space for me – a place to pause, breathe, and make something beautiful.
I started designing my own embroidery kits from my kitchen table, combining my love of folk art with my passion for teaching. I wanted to create something that felt accessible, even for beginners, and encouraged people to enjoy the process as much as the finished piece. That’s how Make Your Own Happy was born: with the idea that creativity can be a form of self-care, a little pocket of calm in a busy day.
What do you make and how would you describe your style?
I design embroidery kits and teach creative workshops. My style is rooted in nature, folk art, and storytelling, with a touch of nostalgia. I believe that handmade objects can elevate the everyday, turning something as simple as a coaster, cushion, or pot holder into a piece that feels cherished and full of meaning. My designs are decorative, textured, and detailed – created to bring a little magic into ordinary moments. Recently, I’ve been developing smaller, wearable, and giftable embroidery projects inspired by traditional techniques such as sashiko and kogin, moving “beyond the hoop” into stitched treasures that are both beautiful and useful.
What inspires your work?
So many things! I’m inspired by folk art traditions, fairytales, old haberdasheries, and the idea of handmade objects carrying their own quiet kind of magic. Nature is a constant influence; pressed flowers, winter branches, moths, birds, and wild gardens often find their way into my sketchbook. Nostalgia plays a big part too, cosy winter nights by the fire, stories from childhood, and that feeling of curiosity you get when peering into a cabinet of curiosities.
Tell us about your creative process
Every kit starts in my sketchbook with loose drawings inspired by nature, folklore, or an object that’s caught my imagination. From there, I refine the design into something that will work well in thread – balancing stitches, colours, and textures. I then make up a sample piece, test the instructions, and often create a supporting video tutorial. It’s important to me that people feel supported and confident, so the process is always designed with the maker in mind, not just the finished look.
What’s your workspace or studio like?
I don’t have a dedicated studio space, I work from my kitchen table or the sofa. And honestly, I think that’s important to share, because creativity doesn’t need a special room or masses of supplies. All you really need is a cosy corner where you feel comfortable. For me, that means a candle burning, a blanket nearby, and a mug of tea within reach. It’s proof that you can make beautiful things from the simplest of spaces.
What’s your favourite thing to make – and why?
I love designing kits and workshops that bring a bit of magic to people’s lives, whether that’s through a traditional hoop design made to be displayed as artwork, or a project that elevates the everyday, like a hand-embroidered brooch. For me, the joy is in creating pieces that feel meaningful, something you can be proud to hang on your wall, gift to someone special, or use in daily life. It’s about celebrating creativity in all its forms and weaving handmade beauty into both our homes and our everyday routines.
What’s something people might not know about your craft or the skills involved?
People are often surprised by how accessible embroidery can be. You don’t need years of training or complicated equipment, just a needle, thread, fabric, and patience. Another surprising fact is that even very simple stitches can create beautiful, detailed designs. Often it’s not about fancy techniques, but about slowing down and enjoying the process.
What does creativity mean to you?
For me, creativity is both escape and connection. It’s a way of switching off from the noise of everyday life and tuning in to something quieter and more grounding. It’s also about expressing yourself and making things that hold meaning. Most of all, creativity means joy – that small but powerful lift you feel when you’ve made something with your own two hands.
What does Christmas look like for you?
Christmas for me is about the magic and ritual of tradition. I love decorating the house with handmade ornaments, baking with family, and enjoying the cosy glow of fairy lights. From a business perspective, Christmas is also my busiest time of year, but I always make sure to carve out quiet moments for myself – it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a little stitching on the sofa whilst watching a festive film.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about starting a creative business?
Don’t wait until everything feels “perfect”, start small and start now. You’ll learn so much along the way, and your business will naturally grow and evolve with you. And remember, your story and your way of making are what make your work unique, lean into that.
What is a quote you live by?
“Aim for progress, not perfection.” It’s a simple reminder that applies to stitching, to business, and to life. The joy is in the making, not just the finished result.
Previous Featured Maker – Iwona Koziel Glass
To find out more about Iwona Koziel head to her shop or read all our previous maker interviews here.
