A Welsh fashion entrepreneur is a runaway success, with people flying from across the world to attend her sewing lessons.

 

Helen Rhiannon, who has also published a book and is a guest presenter on a popular UK sewing channel, set up All Sewn Up to run alongside her original business, Helen Rhiannon Designer Label, which produces bespoke bridal dresses.

 

And people have flown from Spain and Saudi Arabia to learn the art of sewing to take the skills back home. Helen, who has also made a dress for opera star Katherine Jenkins, says her international success is thanks to an unrivalled online presence in the sector.

 

 

“My website has been instrumental in attracting business from abroad”

She said: “I have taught hundreds of people, both men and women, ranging from 6 to 96 years old. My website sets me apart in the industry, and it’s been instrumental in attracting business from abroad. It’s not just about ensuring people can find your brand on the internet, it’s making sure that when they do, they leave feeling positive about you and connected to you in some way.

 

“I work hard to ensure my credibility is second-to-none. I recently had a book published, Sew Perfect Pets, and am also a guest presenter on a popular UK shopping channel for sewing. I make sure to talk about these experiences on my social media and website.

 

“I also try and make sure there is a direct business benefit, for example I will be selling the kits required to complete each project listed in the book.

 

“I’ve noticed an increase in website visitors as well as bookings”

“I knew my site would be an important tool so approached Superfast Business Wales and attended a workshop and had a follow up 1-2-1. The support was really useful and has made a big difference to both businesses.

 

“For example, they advised me to put call-to-actions on every page, re-visit my booking system to make it even more easy to use, and to get my book and TV appearances straight onto the All Sewn Up Wales site with relevant SEO updates. I have noticed an increase in website visitors as well as bookings.

 

“Superfast Business Wales also advised on my use of Mailchimp and recommended me to segregate lists to make campaigns more effective by only sending relevant content to specific audiences. In addition, the team discussed GDPR, which was a huge benefit to me as a small business. It saved me paying for advice from a third party.”

 

“The support was tailored and pitched at the perfect level”

Already armed with some social media knowledge, the 37-year-old from Swansea was pleased to receive guidance to help her advance further. “The support was tailored and pitched at the perfect level for where I was at in business,” she added. “I upload sewing tutorials to my site, which are made available via download only, and they are really popular with people in the USA and Australia. The YouTube videos are being received well also. I have also revisited the Helen Rhiannon site and will be implementing better SEO over time.”

 

On the back of the growth, Helen, who also co-developed the first Fashion and Textile Apprenticeship programme in Wales, which was run by Coleg Sir Gar, is hoping to build a larger studio and recruit in 2019. Also on her radar for the next 12 months is implementing further tips received during her Superfast Business Wales workshop and 1-2-1.

 

She added: “I will be adding more products to my online shop, as well as reviewing analytics more to find out what’s happening on my website. I will also be utilising video editing software to continue to improve the quality and content of the videos on my YouTube channel and then use this for both websites.”

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