Ahoy has evolved over the years. As you can see below, I started it as a way to sell my guestbooks which I still sell.

Now it’s where my articles go on all things from beauty tips to the latest technology. I love writing, although my grammar is poor (thank you Grammarly!) I try to keep my writing as natural and as close to how I’d speak as I can, but try to make more sense!

I have a full-time job and tend to write in the evenings and weekends. As you’ll see from the article dates, I go through phases of either updating blogs, or writing new ones. It all depends on what I’ve been buying!

I love helping people, which I think is where my love of writing comes from. I’m 37, so I’ve had many years of practice with beauty and makeup products. I like to write about what’s worked and not worked for me. I have small obsessions with things too. Like headphones – I have 3 on rotation!

I started making guestbooks in 2015 (not long after my own wedding) and soon it became more than a hobby – people actually wanted to pay me for a guestbook!

Since 2015 I’ve made guestbooks for couples getting married, engagement parties, christenings, and birthday parties. I’ve written guestbooks which aren’t in my language, so I have no idea what they say. Others have had personalised images on such as swans for a “Mr and Mrs Swan”.

I love adding small touches like that because they raise the bar on personalisation. Plus it makes the customer much happier I’ve done something extra special, just for them.

I live in Buxton, Derbyshire (where the water comes from) and everything I do, I do it in #AhoyHQ. I live with my Husband and dogs. I have a full time job, so I craft and get orders ready in the evenings and weekends.

I mainly sell online (eBay, this website) but I’ve done a market in Bakewell. That was a great day! I got to meet a lot of people who bought from me. A very different experience than crafting in #AhoyHQ.

All my materials are bought from UK-based suppliers because I believe in shopping local. I have great relationships with them and get the best possible price that I can pass on to my customers.

For my day job, I work in Marketing as a Web Designer. I’ve designed and built the website you’re looking at, so I hope you like it. I’m on my website usually daily, making tweaks here and there to improve it.

If I’m not making guestbooks, I’m doing something else. Usually crafty! I can’t sit still. I have a sewing machine I use to make little bits and also alter clothes.

I’m a vegetarian and actively promote the use of vegan and cruelty-free products in an area I love – make-up and beauty. This is what my blog focuses on so feel free to check it out and get some inspiration to make the change.