WHY WE LOVE... JELLYPOMPOM

We’re determined to keep shouting about the incredible local creatives, who we are so proud to be able to support and stock. This week we caught up with JellyPomPom aka Kelly. Using her time through rolling lockdowns to learn new skills and take up new hobbies into a thriving new venture, working local markets and fairs, including more recently the Norwich Lanes Fair.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES?

I'm Kelly, 26 and have lived in Norwich since moving here to study photography in 2014 at NUA. I've always loved being creative but always kept it as a hobby, until I started JellyPomPom. The name comes from 'Jelly' because no matter what, the iPhone predictive text insists my name is Jelly and not Kelly, so it's a nickname that was forced upon me by apple. And PomPom, because pompoms are all I made at the time.

WHAT MADE YOU SET UP JELLYPOMPOM?

I started making pompoms in 2019 because I have an awful attention span, so when it came to watching a movie my mind would start wondering to other things… but making pompoms was a peaceful activity that kept my hands busy while we (me & my partner) watched whatever. From these pompoms I made cushions, wall hangings and lastly earrings. I made earrings for friends and even sold a few pairs- but it was just another creative hobby to add to the roster… Until that thing called COVID-19 hit. Suddenly I had a fair bit of free time on my hands. I worked (still do) in pubs, so I didn't work for all three lockdowns. I painted cushion covers, denim jackets, tote bags and plant pots. Then I discovered polymer clay! I experimented a lot with styles, colours, shapes etc. but I think now I have settled into a distinctive style that, hopefully, stands out. I taught myself crochet and making crochet… Slowly slowly, I've turned my lockdown hobbies into a little business of my own, that I love and am very proud of!

WHO IS PART OF YOUR TEAM?

JellyPomPom is just me, but I am very lucky that I've always had the support of my family and boyfriend. Starting your first business is much easier when you have a strong support system who backs you all the way!

HOW HAS THE CURRENT PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU AND WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

The pandemic was/is horrible, I was on Universal Credit, furloughed, on and off from work and money or a job wasn't certain for a lot of it. But, I honestly don't think JellyPomPom would exist today without the pandemic. In the future, I hope to do more markets and stock JellyPomPom products in more shops, hopefully around the country!

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE AREA YOU LIVE IN?

I love love love Norwich. I know the locals proudly call it a city, but to me it's got the feeling of a big village. I like how paths cross and for the most part people lift each other up. It's arty, full of independents that support small time creators. I live in NR3 which is thriving! Great pubs, bars, shops and Mousehold, if it all gets a bit much and you want to escape to some woods!

Follow more of Kelly’s work @_jellypompom & shop selected earrings and scrunchies in-store.