Angharad Gwyn

Adra was established in 2007 as an online retail company specialising in fashionable and contemporary gifts and homeware from Wales. Everything we sell is either made in Wales, designed by Welsh designers, or features the Welsh language. Our products include home and kitchen accessories, bath products, children’s gifts, jewellery, bags and greeting cards.

I started my business from my own home before moving to premises at Glynllifon Park in 2013, where we now also have a shop.

Do your homework thoroughly in your spare time while working full-time to fund your research. Then gradually move into part-time work until your business can support you as a full-time job.
Angharad Gwyn – Adra

I worked for the BBC for over seven years, but I wanted to return to live in rural North Wales. Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to continue working for them and live there, I decided to start my own business.

Like every new entrepreneur, my first year in business was a lonely one. Accessing specialist advice and relevant skills locally was a real challenge, and I had to work unpaid for ten months in order to launch my business. Today, I am very proud to see the business thriving. It is also a pleasure to receive such positive feedback from customers and to know that all my hard work has paid off.

I want to inspire young people to start businesses and stay in rural areas instead of following the A470 to Cardiff!