TWO Harrogate women found inspiration for an innovative business idea in their teenage daughters' messy bedrooms.
Gay Stott and Sue Rutherford were looking to solve a problem - how to store and organise jewellery effectively.
"With four teenage daughters between us, jewellery was forever getting lost, tangled or broken. It was never in the right place at t
he right time, " said Sue.
The women devised a unique jewellery organiser that hit the market at the end of last year and saw one of its products sell out almost instantly.
Although the Swag-bag is now enjoying success, the women recall it was a long journey from initial concept to the final launch in November.
A fortuitous meeting with Stuart Wilson of Business Link resulted in Gay and Sue being introduced to Richard Hall of pd-m international, Harrogate, and it was through Richard and his contacts that Swag-bag finally became a reality.
"With any business there are good days and bad days, " says Sue.
"However, there is nothing to beat the feeling of elation when you make that first sale of your very own product – suddenly the months of hard work and sleepless nights all become worthwhile."
Swag-bag is designed to hang over a door and holds necklaces, earrings, bangles and brooches.
"Whilst the first two months in business have been incredibly successful with the initial stock of the larger Swag-bag selling out, we are both aware that this is just the beginning and there is a long road ahead before we achieve our goal and establish 'Swag-bag' as a recognised brand."
