A FORMER teacher’s specialist stationery business has watched her business grow from a hobby to blossom beyond her expectations.

Danielle Stanley formed Under the Rowan Trees after leaving teaching after the birth of her son - also named Rowan.

However, the company is actually named after the two Rowan trees at the bottom of her garden in Heddon-on-the-Wall, where she hung a hammock and called it her happy place.

Sadly, a severe storm brought one of the trees down - but in its place now stands her brand-new garden office and stationery store, maintaining her “happy place.”

Danielle first started out by selling craft items at the Tyne Valley’s local fairs, before setting up her own Etsy shop online.

There, she found herself a niche trade in Washi Tape and glitter-filled pens.

In 2019, she took her products to a trade show in London, mingling with well-established industry leaders.

Danielle found her products and expertise stood up against the giants of the industry - particularly in the calligraphy and brush lettering markets.

She said: “Being small and flexible means that I can react to new trends and stay one step ahead for my customers.

“Having my new work space means that I can buy in bulk, pass on economies of scale to my customers and look to take on an apprentice.”

During lockdown, the popularity of home-crafting and stationery rose dramatically.

Danielle found herself working long hours to satisfy her growing customer base.

Supply issues also meant she had to be creative and adapt, to ensure she could meet demand.

She continued: “Many of my suppliers closed down or had staff furloughed so supply became a challenge.

“Thankfully, I was able to find new suppliers making my business more robust and even more customer focused.”

Danielle has seen her business nominated for three national stationery awards in recent months - but she says it's the feedback from customers that is her biggest motivation.

She added: “We’ve recently redesigned our subscription service and rebranded it “Rowan Berry Box” and each month our customers get a package filled with unique, exclusive, themed designer collections of stationery and the feedback has been tremendous.

“Our customers get really excited when the box gets delivered as they know that each month has a new theme ranging from laid-back florals to funky-fun flamingos.

“I’m already planning boxes for the next 12 months ahead. The boxes are really popular and that is one of the reasons that I need extra help in the business.”

In order to do so, Danielle is looking for an apprentice who shares her passion for stationery, in order to help with social media, customer service, and package stock for posting.

Danielle said: “It’s been a fantastic four years for Under the Rowan Trees and being a mentor for my new apprentice really appeals to the teacher in me.

“In Celtic mythology, the Rowan is known as the Tree of Life and it’s certainly opened up a new exciting branch of my life and career.

“I’d like to pass that on to someone starting out too.”