2020 is here and it's certain to be a New Year of Adventures for our Family Business. A few days ago at the start of January my Mum Deborah, who was the original founder of Sparks and Daughters, shared the news that she had made the decision to retire from co-running the business with me. 2019 had taken her on many new travels and experiences, the result of which led her to choose to begin a new journey. Not one to sit on her laurels, it came as absolutely no surprise to me that she already had plans to begin the next chapter in her story by revisiting a long-standing dream of hers, learning how to create beautiful ceramics. I knew it was something she has always wanted to do and I am excited for her to take the opportunity to allow a personal goal to take shape and flourish, even after all these years. I'd love for you to follow along to see what's ahead for her, you can keep up with everything as it unfolds over on her Instagram (@nannasparks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6v4g16Ffro/

Since 2012 when I was made a partner in our family business, Sparks and Daughters was always mum and I running things together side-by-side, so now that she has retired, what's next?

Obviously this is as big a change for me as it is for Mum, so it's definitely going to be a year of new adventures for the both of us. On a personal note, this change has arrived at a really good time for me. My daughter Tilly has recently started primary school, settling in nicely and between my Husband Lex and I, we have been able to work out a really great way of sharing the parenting and work demands between us. Of course, Mum is on hand to help out with looking after Tilly when needed (as has always been the case), and because she really does love spending time with her Nanna, I am thankful for that.

Speaking of Lex, his involvement in the business over the past few years has grown so much. He has brought invaluable skills that have enabled us to grow the business in ways that just weren't possible before. His support is more important now than ever and it's reassuring to know that as we begin the next chapter in the story of Sparks and Daughters, he is by my side.

The mission for Sparks and Daughters remains very much the same. Creating personalised gifts that celebrate all kinds of family moments and milestones is something I hold dear in my heart and I hope to introduce new kinds of celebrations into our collection in 2020. One of my favourite new products for this year is the Our Family Bucket List Book, which was inspired by a gift that Lex gave to me for Christmas in 2018. It was such a great idea, I wanted to share it with you all. Look out for an upcoming blog post all about it, where I take you through all the wonderful memories it allows you to record with your loved ones.

Big changes like these could make you feel anxious. Trying something new or unfamiliar can sometimes be scary. But we're committed to making 2020 a year of positivity for our Family Business. Wherever the next 12 months take us, we will follow our rainbow and embrace the colours of it all! Be brave this year and follow your rainbow!