Today’s ‘a few minutes with…’ is all about Johanna Bloor, the incredibly creative and super talented lady behind Hanrose Photoart. I am lucky enough to own an R and an F from Jo’s photo art collection, and also have a lovely range of candles that small DIVINE. Jo’s packaging is also something of dreams… so I wanted to share a bit more about the lady herself with you.

Tell us about you and your background

Hi I’m Jo, I have lived in East Sussex all my life, have been married for 26 years and have two incredible children Rosie & Teddy. I had my first pony Cracker when I was nine and have never looked back. Rosie started riding at 3, she’s now 25 & will probably not ever, not have ponies. Even Teddy dabbled for a season with a lead rein hunter pony, one a few sashes and got his picture in the H&H.

What made you want to start a business?

I didn’t intend to start a business, it just happened! Needing to purchase an equestrian theme gift, I spent hours searching for the perfect present, but nothing appealed to me. I was at a loss! Having always admired alphabet photography (the art of photographing objects that resemble the letters of the alphabet), it occurred to me that I could create a totally original gift by selecting and photographing suitable equestrian items and use the photographs to spell out the recipient’s name. With camera in hand it wasn’t long before I had surpassed the original eight letters needed and had produced the entire alphabet. Hanrose ‘Photoart’ was born. I decided at this point to enlist a friends photographic skills to create the hundred plus images that are available to choose from today.

How is Hanrose Photoart different?

No one does what I do with regards to the equestrian alphabet for the Photoart, which is great, but also has its downside as so many people are unaware of its existence.

What makes your products special?

Hanrose ‘Photoart’ are unique, personalised pieces providing that perfect gift for someone special, or indeed, yourself! Our mini quote posters & cards are great for the designer loving equestrian. Candles and our most recent addition of wax melts, are all handmade from soy. Candles aren’t a new idea, but our names give them a different twist, ‘Apple Explosion’ ‘Half-Halt’ & ‘Riding in the Rain’ are just three from the ever growing collection. Again making not just a a great little gift, but thoughtful as you can pick a fragrance whether if be floral, fresh or fruity for the person in mind. Don’t take flowers to a dinner party, take a ‘Summer Meadow’ scented candle! Then, dare I mention it…. Christmas. The decorations created are silhouettes of horses, saddles, rosettes etc and last year there was a donkey and a unicorn. Made from metallic, pearlescent or glitter infused acrylic and hung from gorgeous ribbon. I had better get cracking with this year’s creations!

If you had to sum up Hanrose Photoart in five words, what would they be?

Unique, bespoke, quirky, fun & fragrant

Do you have a motto or ethos?

Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?

A quote I used recently ‘Better an oops, than a what if’. You’re going to make mistakes, so better to learn from them, than regret not tying something.

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively 

A quiet house

Best thing about running Hanrose Photoart?

Coming up with new ideas and being able to implement them.

Worst thing about running a business

Admin & packaging, although the candles & wax melts are fun with the hay & popcorn.

Top business blog you follow

Don’t follow blogs although have watched a few of your vlogs recently!

One thing we might not know about you

Very superstitious 

Top business achievement

Not a business achievement, but very proud to have produced the Willberry Wonder Pony decorations for the past 2 years where all the profit goes to the charity.

Where can people follow you or your Hanrose Photoart online

www.hanrose.co.uk

Twitter, Instagram & Facebook @hanrosephotoart