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Spinning yarn with knitters online launched design career

John Glen, of Beardy Cheil Designs, Scrabster,
John Glen, of Beardy Cheil Designs, Scrabster,

Each week, we ask small businesses key questions.

Here we speak to John Glen, of knitwear and fibre crafts enterprise Beardychiel
Designs in Scrabster

How and why did you start in business?

I studied electronic engineering at Strathclyde University, dropped out after two years and spent the next 14 in the service sector, eventually selling my private hire business in Glasgow when it failed to cover household bills.

Married and with two young children, I went back to university – this time Glasgow Caledonian – to finish my degree and then undertook a teaching qualification.

In 1995 I moved to Thurso High School as a technology teacher, before working my way up to become deputy rector of Wick High School. Health issues forced my early retirement.

Having knitted and crocheted since 1971, it seemed sensible to use this to supplement my pension, however, I soon learned that people are not willing to pay realistic prices for bespoke, hand-crafted items. I decided to knit prototypes, and publish and sell the patterns – Beardychiel Designs was born.

How did you get to where you are today?

I needed to establish the brand and YouTube was the obvious medium, so I launched Beardychiel’s Knitting Banter Channel. It’s built a small but loyal following.

A conversation on Rhodes in 2016 led to me putting together a programme of knitting activities in the sun. It attracted interest and in 2018 I and two other knitting/crochet tutors were joined by knitters from Canada, Australia, the UK, Norway, Sweden and Greece for a week of knitting fun.

We organised a second great session this year and reviews from past participants are already bringing in bookings for 2020.

In 2017 I had some fleeces commercially spun in their natural colours and branded Caithness Croft Yarn.

Heartened by supportive comments from Prince Charles at last year’s Mey Games, I commissioned more and am launching the brand properly this summer.

Who helped you?

My family has been really supportive, especially my long-suffering wife, Janet. The knitting and crafting skills came from my grandmother.

Eva Christie, director of the Perth Festival of Yarn, has been a huge supporter and Julie Rutter from Black Isle Yarns recommended the Federation of Small Businesses. I use it for everything from insurance assistance to super, no-charges business banking.

What has been your biggest mistake?

Being too cautious when establishing the business, while I prevaricate and can be indecisive.

What is your greatest achievement?

When I went back to full-time education to finish my degree and gain my teaching diploma, I had three part-time jobs and two children aged two and four, but I still graduated top of my year.

If you were in power in government, what would you change?

I’d let teachers get on with their jobs without the constant pressure of ticking boxes and jumping through hoops – and give them resources to do it.

What do you still hope to achieve?

To see my designs everywhere. I’d also love to deliver seminars at knitting events in countries like China, the US, Australia, Canada and Japan.

What do you do to relax?

Watch stage musicals with my grandkids. I also love amateur dramatics – acting, directing and writing – and have been a member of Thurso Players for more than 20 years.

What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?

I’m reading George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones series and listening to Radio 4 Extra dramas. On TV, it’s old Les Dawson comedy sketches and Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

What do you waste your money on?

It’s not a waste but an investment in my amazing grandsons, yarn, events like Shetland Wool Week, theatre/cinema trips and eating out.

How would your friends describe you?

A nice guy, I hope. A dyer from Athens calls me her Scottish father.

What would your enemies say about you?

It takes a lot to upset him but he’s a Rottweiler when riled.

What do you drive and dream of driving?

Currently an Irn-Bru-orange Vauxhall Mokka, but I’d love an electric car.