Our Business Journey of Growth, Innovation and Development
Over the past 6 months, Scottish Keepsakes has undergone a bit of a transformation…
This was marked by practical changes, the beginnings of beautiful new products, the honour of being recognised in the business community and a commitment to giving back through charitable initiatives.
Our re-evaluation began with an internal review, leading to a much-needed clearing-out and reorganisation of the workshop. The goal was clear – enhance efficiency, make better use of the space and stimulate creativity.
So, Denice (my wing woman!) moved into the office with me, helping efficiency (we don’t have to heat the large main workshop area), and by optimising the layout and workflow, we not only streamlined our production processes but also created a more collaborative environment (ie we chat more while listening to our favourite music!!)
We have also created a more functional retail display area where all of our products can be shown to their best advantage
Embracing Scottish Craftsmanship: Introducing New Scottish Gifts
One of the challenges I’ve had over the past wee while has been finding my creative spark! It can be a struggle to ‘get in the zone’ when there are so many other tasks to be juggled on a daily basis! Inspiration comes more easily by appreciating the rich heritage and unique traditions of Scotland, then transforming these into tangible gift offerings that showcase our commitment to quality and choice.
So, with that in mind, I’m currently working on introducing a range of new products, proudly crafted in Scotland and a lovely Autumn collection is on the horizon….
From lucky sixpences to Wedding horseshoes and our bespoke engraved Jacobite dram glasses, each product tells a story deeply rooted in Scottish history and folklore.
Business of the Year: A Testament to Dedication
The pinnacle of these past six months was undoubtedly being awarded ‘Business of the Year 2023.’ As a longstanding member of Ayrshire Business Women, I was truly humbled and honoured to be a finalist in 3 award categories, and to win Business of the Year was definitely the icing on the cake!
This prestigious accolade from the Association of Scottish Businesswomen is testament to the dedication and hard work we’ve shown over the past few years. It reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and a customer-centric approach.
Winning this award not only motivates us to reach new heights but also reaffirms our position as an aspiring leader in our industry.
Spreading Joy: Charitable Giveaways for Great Causes
As a business, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. Over recent years and months, we have initiated charitable giveaways, contributing to causes that matter to us. Whether it is supporting Westie rehoming charities by supplying products for auctions, donating a percentage of sales, or inviting contributions to Blood Cancer UK to win one of our themed gift bundles*, our aim was, and is, to make a positive impact beyond the business realm.
(* we have another giveaway coming up at the end of this month, so keep your eyes peeled!)
These initiatives not only align with our values but also foster a sense of social responsibility between ourselves and our customers. We are so indebted to our fabulous customers and followers for their contributions to these events.
Looking Ahead: A Future Fuelled by Passion and Purpose
As we reflect on these past 6 months, it’s clear that our journey is guided by passion and purpose.
The reorganised workshop, our continuing aim to produce unique Scottish-inspired products, the ‘Business of the Year’ recognition, and our charitable endeavours are all part of a larger narrative – a story of growth, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and making a positive impact on both our industry and the communities we serve. The next chapter is filled with exciting possibilities, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey….
Thank you to each and every one of our ‘Keepsake Clan’ for your interaction with, and support of, our wee Scottish business 🏴
Best to you all & take care,
Carol, Scottish Keepsakes
Congratulations on your award and reinforcing the love of the customer for favorite small businesses. I applaud the hard work of the small business, and your continued energy to bring new product and ideas that share your beautiful culture!
Congratulations on winning the award and for refocusing and growing your business. You are truly inspirational and I look forward to watching the rest of your journey
Congratulations Carol- so well deserved. Looking forward to seeing your new products!