At the breakfast table with ... Adriana Gentile

Q: Hi Adriana! Thanks so much for sharing an insight into your world as a Yorkshire business owner.

Could you start with a quick overview of what or who inspired you to launch your homeware

business?

A: Hello! No worries at all. I love to share my experiences, especially if they can help others.

I am the founder of luxury soft furnishing brand, Adriana Homewares. We specialise in designing and

manufacturing beautifully coloured 100% British wool fabrics, and turning them into beautifully British

cushions, throws, lampshades, baby blankets and accessories.

Creating sustainable fabrics is at the core of what we do. We only use finest British Wool for our

fabrics. By sourcing the wool locally, it ensures that it is fully traceable, we know it has been ethically

sourced and we’re supporting British farmers.

Adriana Homewares started a few years after I left University. Where I had studied textile design and

specialised in woven textiles. During my final year I fell in love with colour and weaving, and when I

left I knew I didn’t want to stop. I completed The Princes Trust Enterprise course and was awarded a

business loan to buy my first loom. I set up a design studio in central leeds and I was a self employed

textile artist for a few years, and spent A LOT of time at the loom.

I decided that if I wanted to scale my business I had to look into getting my designs mill woven locally.

And not long after Adriana Homewares was born. I had combined my love of colour, interiors and soft

furnishings and created what one day, I hoped would be a well known textile brand. It wasn’t long

before it was apparent to me what my USP were for my business. Local Yorkshire made fabrics,

beautiful colours and sustainable 100% British wool products.

Q: Do you have a number one piece of advice for anyone who might be considering starting their own

business?

A: Do a whole heap of market research before launching your business. It can save you a lot of time

and money. Before you start it’s essential to think about who your ideal customer is, how you’re going

to get your products in front of them and ask yourself, would they actually buy my product?

Q: The past year has been exceptionally difficult for small businesses in the UK. What kind of main

challenges have you and your business faced throughout lockdown? And who or what has helped you

to get through these challenges?

A: Yeah this past year has been an interesting one. The first lockdown, I pretty much shut my

business as I didn’t feel that traveling to my studio was an essential journey. Even the mill that my

studio is based in had closed down for a few months! That was a struggle. I’m fortunate that I’ve got a

great group of business friends who quite frankly picked me up when I was down and told me not to

give up! It also soon became apparent that there was an increased demand for local and British made

products and people were online shopping more than ever. Being honest with you, I’ve gone from

closing my business down for a few months to actually having the busiest year I’ve ever had! Its been

my business that has kept me occupied this year and I’m so grateful for that.

Q: How important do you think local communities are to small businesses?

A: I think local communities are absolutely essential to small businesses. I feel like especially after

this last year of Covid and Brexit. People are taking the time to try and source local quality products.

And it’s amazing! I think people even realise that if you cant afford to support someone’s business by

buying something, word of mouth or a share on social media is almost as helpful. There’s truly

nothing better than community spirit.

Q: At the moment, do you have a routine in the mornings that helps you to take on the day ahead?

A: Absolutely! During the week I wake up at 6:30am, straight away make myself a cup of tea and

some breakfast, as I really can’t function until I’ve had something to eat and drink. Then I get dressed

and I take my dog for a half an hour walk before I start work. I absolutely treasure my morning dog

walks, it really sets me up for the day and it’s just some quiet time when I can think about what my

day is going to involve.

Q: If you ever struggle with motivation and energy levels, what really helps you to get through and

back on top form?

A: I feel like we all struggle with motivation from time to time. I mean, we’re only human aren’t we?

When I am lacking motivation, I take some time to remind myself about the good things that have

happened. Some times this is work related and I just need to have a stern word with myself. But also

remind myself that people aren’t just “lucky” you get what you work for. And nothing gets me out of

bed at 6:30am better than the desire to work hard, and be successful!

On a daily basis I always try and make sure that I allow myself enough “me” time. Whether that’s

taking my dog for a walk, watching my favourite TV programme, or seeing my friend and family for a

good old natter. (When we were allowed to do that anyway!) I also always listen to my body when it’s

telling me that I’m over doing it, which unfortunately runs in my family! I make sure I always have

plenty of good food and drink, as my dad would always tell me. AND make sure I get at least 8 hours

sleep because I’m cranky as hell if not!

Q: It’s great to see that you’re passionate about sustainability, and that your entire manufacturing

process takes place here in Yorkshire, from start to finish. How important is the concept of ‘luxury’ to

your business in terms of maintaining a sustainable approach towards textiles and the environment?

A: I am really proud of what I’ve achieved creating natural and sustainable soft furnishings that are all

entirely made from fleece to finished product in West Yorkshire.

The way I see it, there’s only one planet earth and we have to look after it. Since the beginning I knew

what my values were and what they meant to me. Without my sustainable ethos I don’t think I would

have a brand or a business.

Plus Wool gets a bit of a bad rep some times, and it’s actually an incredible fibre and a by-product of

sheep farming. I kind of see it as my mission to educate people on how fabulous it is. Slowly but

surely I feel like people are making smarter decisions and are looking for quality products that will

stand the test of time.

Q: Finally, do you have a personal favourite item or range that you have created?

A: I love everything I make. But I think if I had to choose I would say that my personal favourite is our

Hovingham Midnight fabric. It such a stunning fabric in the most beautiful and rich midnight navy blue,

the pattern is really graphic so takes incredible photographs. And the weave is really 3-dimensional so

the fabric is really snuggly. It just makes the perfect scarves and throws because its so beautiful and

still so cosy!

Check out Adriana Homewares here or say hello on Instagram