About Us

About Gill

Hello, and welcome to my website. I thought it might be a nice idea to tell you a little about myself and background to why I started Cwtch and Cushions.

I was brought up in a newsagent shop which was in Bridge Street, not far from the shop I am currently in. I was for want of a better phrase ‘a sickly child’ and, if you do know me, you’ll know my life has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. Like many people I’ve had my highs and lows. I know I’m certainly not alone.

I was diagnosed with cancer at nine years of age after an innocuous childhood injury (basically I bumped my leg on a table). It resulted in me having to have my upper fibula removed which resulted in nerve damage. This meant I couldn’t walk for a while, but I fought my way back to mobility. In fact, I beat cancer not once but twice in my childhood with a little help from some brilliant NHS medics. It’s quite a long story and I’m happy to share over a cuppa if you pop in.

Some of that therapy was sewing and working with crafts. My grandmother taught me how to crochet – and my uncle taught me how to knit. It was the culture back then. You needed to be able to make do and mend, plus we didn’t have the entertainment opportunities we have now. Knitting, sewing and crocheting were hobbies that kept boredom at bay and because you could do it while you were chatting to a friend or relative, it was a very sociable thing to do.

You might think it’s dying out but far from it. My little shop is as busy as a bee with male and female customers of all ages dropping by to say hello, pick up some product or just ask for advice.

I’ve had quite a varied career. I’ve worked in Wales, the UK and a seven-year stint in Greece! I have been an office manager and mainly worked in customer facing roles – probably because I really like people, and I enjoy interacting with customers. I really do enjoy helping people. It just works for me.

Back in 2020, I was diagnosed with Diabetes (I couldn’t understand why I was so tired all the time). I must confess I got a little weary of working for other people and when Covid came along and I was conveniently warned that I could be released from my employment, I thought I’d take the opportunity to start something for myself; I’ve always wanted to and sometimes it helps that life gives you a little nudge.

I’d always been interested in crafts, particularly sewing, so it seemed the logical choice. I knew there was a demand, so I scraped together some savings and invested in my new business Cwtch & Cushions. Has it been the right decision? Time will tell but I am loving every minute.

You might be curious about the name and the logo. It’s probably obvious that a sheep would be in there – especially dealing with wool and living in Wales. If you are Welsh, then you’ll already know that a ‘cwtch’ is a caring hug or cuddle. I suppose it perfectly sums up what Cwtch & Cushions is all about. It’s much more than a shop, it’s a place where visitors can share their thoughts in confidence and just have a friendly chat (usually over a cuppa). You might describe it as retail therapy. It’s already many things to many people; somewhere to have a giggle and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. I’d like to think customers can pop in without feeling they have to buy something. That’s the spirit anyway.

Being on the web, I understand that people won’t be able to visit the shop, but you can always pick up the phone for a quick chat and if you are in this neck of the woods, feel free to pop in, it would be lovely to put a face to a name.