An entrepreneur from Carmarthenshire has turned a love of wool into a thriving high street business.
A former market researcher originally from St Albans, Sascha Docwra and her husband moved to Wales eight years ago in search of a different way of life.
Her journey into wool began with a small flock of sheep on her farm in west Wales, which sparked a fascination with wool production and traditional crafting techniques. And after attending craft markets and wool festivals, what started as a personal hobby soon turned into a business idea.
The Welsh Wool Shop, which opened its doors in Newcastle Emlyn in February last year, is a niche retail space dedicated to selling 100% Welsh wool, sourced and produced locally.
The business has secured a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank.
Beyond selling wool, the shop is on a mission to revive and promote the sustainable craft of wool processing, ensuring the tradition remains a key part of the community.
With a dedicated workshop space upstairs, the shop also offers hands-on crafting experiences, providing a welcoming environment for customers to learn and refine their skills.
Ms Docwra said: “I had been working with wool as a hobby, but when the pandemic caused my previous business to fold, I realised I had an opportunity to turn my passion into something more.
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“The idea for a dedicated wool shop came naturally from my experiences at markets and my work as a volunteer at the National Wool Museum, which is just five miles from the shop. I saw the demand for high-quality, locally sourced wool and knew there was a space for it on the high street.”
Initially, the business started as a pop-up shop in a council-owned clock tower for three months. The strong demand quickly showed that there was significant potential beyond a temporary space. To take the next step, Ms Docwra successfully applied for a growth grant from Carmarthenshire Council, which required 50% match funding.
The Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank provided the other 50%, making it possible for her to access the additional funds needed to open a permanent shop and workshop.
The loan was used to furnish the shop with racking, shelving, and display units, as well as create a comfortable and inviting workshop space.
Additional funds were invested in stock, including an expanded range of pure Welsh wool, which became essential as demand quickly exceeded initial expectations.
Jess Phillips-Harris, senior manager for Wales at the British Business Bank, said:“This is a fantastic example of how Start Up Loans can support small businesses in making a meaningful impact on their communities, particularly those located in rural areas.
"The Welsh Wool Shop is not just a retail space, it’s a hub for sustainability, craftsmanship, and local heritage. We are proud to have played a part in its journey and look forward to seeing it continue to flourish.”