I'm Rowan! The owner and creator of Inky Bookshelf. I'm in my mid-20s living in West Wales with my lovely husband Richard. As well as running Inky Bookshelf, I also work part time in a bookshop, which I love. I actually got that job by taking in some of my bookmark designs to wholesale and then ended up doing custom design work for them before taking on a permanent role in the shop.
My decision to work for myself came because I struggle with back pain due to my scoliosis. I have had multiple surgeries for it, but am still in constant pain, which can make working difficult. Luckily I have Richard, who is a great support for me and my little business.
Story of Inky Bookshelf
The origin of Inky Bookshelf is two best friends wanting to spend more time together. I started University in 2020 in Bournemouth, a time when it was hard to meet new people. So naturally, I gravitated towards the ones I already knew. Heidi and I had been friends since childhood and would write letters to each other. As book lovers, we decided to start a Bookstagram together to post about the books we love and also use it as a way to encourage more people to write letters.
We soon decided that we wanted to turn this passion into a small business which we could work on together. I would draw up the designs, and Heidi would put them on Etsy and focus on our social media.
However, after my first year, Heidi moved further away, and I was focusing on University more. I also got engaged and was travelling home to Wales more to see him. Inky Bookshelf was put on hold.
After graduating in 2023 with a degree in animation, I moved home to Wales and took some time to figure out what I wanted to do with myself. I decided to start Inky Bookshelf back up again as the sole owner, with Heidi's blessing. I now have over 50 different designs, have collaborated with other small businesses, have my products in a local shop and sold many of my products online.
Thank you to all who support this little business. You are appreciated.
