‘Life-changing opportunity’ helps market trader turns hobby into a career

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Last summer, business owner Karen Lam was given a “life-changing opportunity” at the new Ffos Caerffili market.

Karen, 38, began selling her handcrafted jewellery and accessories at the market’s pop-up store, which is run by Caerphilly-based start-up business hub Welsh ICE.

Karen took over the stall on a 28-day lease in July – and now has a permanent spot at the market, which opened in the heart of Caerphilly town centre last year.

Originally from Hong Kong, Karen moved to the UK with her father in 2000. But it wasn’t until eight years ago that she discovered her talent for jewellery-making.

Living in Edinburgh at the time, Karen took up a jewellery-making class at a community centre following the birth of her son.

Soon after, she began selling her own handmade products at pop-up markets. She later moved to Wales, where she was able to turn her hobby into a career.

Karen explained how before jewellery-making, she never felt she had the chance to develop a career, having worked multiple jobs in the years before starting her own business.

“For me, its a life-changing opportunity,” Karen said. “I never thought I’d be able to open my own shop, I thought I would be doing craft markets. It’s much more like a full-time career now.

“Hopefully it will continue to grow and I’ll be able to expand. I feel appreciative of the opportunity.”

Karen hopes to be able to open a second shop in the future and carry on supporting other independent makers by stocking their products in her shops.

“At the moment I’m learning silversmithing, so improving myself and learning more skills,” Karen said.

“In the future I’m looking to expand my business with more products and hopefully opening a second shop.”

Karen also praised the “great community” in Caerphilly and said: “People are really good at helping each other and I’m happy to do that for others as well.”

Traders interested in the Welsh ICE pop-up shop initiative can contact Georgia Roberts at georgia@welshice.org or visit welshice.org/popup for further information.