Nicola Briginshaw of Fuschia Designs shares her plans in the run up to Christmas!

IT’S NOVEMBER! The year is coming to an end and Q4 is well under way. We’re talking to businesses about their plans for the final two months of the year.

Today we’re talking to Nicola Briginshaw who is the founder of Fuschia Designs, based in Reading. Fuschia Designs design and manufacture leather accessories in the UK.

What’s your business highlight for this month or last month? 
I have attended networking and business events and met so many new, interesting and lovely people. I attended the Great British Expo in Reading and met some fantastic people speed networking and attended some great workshops. I’ve gained new clients that I’m really looking forward to working with.

This month was Bonfire Night and Diwali. Do either of those hold meaning or memory for you?
Diwali holds many special memories for me as I was fortunate enough to visit Jaipur in India when it was Diwali. It was an amazing day and night, from being given freshly made marigold necklaces by the hotel, free gifts when I went stationery shopping, and just seeing everyone enjoy themselves and celebrate in their own way. Shops and restaurants were decorated with flowers and lights, candles and lanterns, it was an assault on your senses, something I will never forget.

November represents Movember – Men’s Health Awareness Month and International Men’s Day (Nov 19). What, if anything, does this mean to you? 
Men’s Awareness Month is really important to us as I lost my dad when I was 24 to pancreatic cancer. Sadly this type of cancer is known as the silent killer so not really many symptoms to look out for. But it’s important for everyone to be aware of their bodies and how they are feeling, and if something isn’t right then to seek medical advice. These days so much can be cured if caught early.

What’s your top tip for being positive as we enter the last month of autumn? 
My tip is to make the most of the daylight hours. I like to go for an extra long dog walk because I know it will be getting dark early, so it keeps your spirits up.

Did you know November 13 was World Kindness Day. Has anyone shown kindness to you in the last month? Tell us how you view kindness in your business or professional role?
Kindness means being there for someone. Sometimes it’s the small and simple things that mean the most. Recently a stranger helped me with my shopping to my car when my bag broke and gave me one of their spare bags. That act of kindness make me smile all day. Also a friend had some spare tickets to see Graham Norton and invited me which was a lovely gesture of kindness. 

It’s also Black Friday this month which is now quite mainstream. Do you participate in this within your business? Or do you prefer the Buy Nothing Day? 
No, we don't participate in Black Friday. As a small business we support Holly Tuckers (Holly & Co) Colour Friday campaign which highlights the importance of shopping local and independent.

Are you preparing for Christmas in your business? If so, can you share what your plans are going to be? 
Our Christmas preparations are all underway. Our new Christmas Gift Guide is launching in November which highlights gift ideas for Christmas alongside our website.

Have you got any events planned for November or December you’d like to shout about?
We are looking forward to attending the Silchester Christmas Market on the 1st December, we exhibit throughout the year but haven’t done the Christmas one yet.  Excited to be part of this event as everyone will be in the festive spirit and it is a great way to support local businesses.

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
To make your gift giving even more special we can package items into gift sets so they are all boxed and just ready to wrap. We also  offer personalisation of our products but please allow at least a week's notice for this service.

For more information visit www.fuschiadesigns.co.uk