If you'd told me a month ago that Nudie would come home from two county shows with two trade stand awards, I'd have politely laughed.
And then probably asked if Sandy had anything to do with it.
After receiving our first ever trade stand commendation at the Royal Three Counties Show, we headed north to the Royal Cheshire County Show with exactly the same goal we'd always had: create a stand that felt welcoming, thoughtful and unmistakably Nudie.
This time, it came with an extra surprise.
We were awarded First Place Trade Stand in the Makers Market.
More Than Just a Pretty Stand
For me, our stand has never been about displaying jewellery.
It's our shop window.
Every shelf, every plant, every piece of timber and every tiny detail has been considered to create a space that reflects the brand we've been building from day one.
It's a stand that has evolved with us, been rebuilt more times than I'd like to admit and, thanks to a very patient dad, is now considerably sturdier than it was a few weeks ago.
To have that recognised by independent judges, not once but twice, means more than I can put into words.
One Chance at the Trophy Photo...
Winning the award also came with one rather important responsibility.
The trophy photo.
Unfortunately, my chosen assistant had slightly different priorities.
While I was attempting to smile at the camera, Sandy spent the entire time staring at the trophy as though it might suddenly dispense biscuits.
We only had one chance to get the photo.
Thankfully, the trophy survived.
My dignity... just about.
A Team Effort
As with almost everything at Nudie, this wasn't just my achievement.
It's a reflection of every customer who has stopped by the stand, every conversation, every word of encouragement and everyone who has supported this little business over the past year.
It also belongs to the family members who have helped build shelves, lifted vans, hammered plinths together and reminded me that somehow, it always comes together in the end.
Looking Ahead
Awards are wonderful moments to celebrate, but they also remind me why we do this.
Creating a beautiful stand isn't about winning trophies.
It's about creating a space where people feel welcome, stay for a chat and hopefully leave with a piece of jewellery they'll treasure for years to come.
Two shows.
Two awards.
And a corgi who's still convinced the trophy was edible.
I'd call that a pretty good week.
Love,
Sophie x
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