Here at DHG we are one big family. this family is made up of those who work here, but above all of those who shop with us every day, such as our resellers, with whom we always happy to collaborate with to find the most suitable solutions and the most interesting ideas. Each reseller offers us invaluable assistance and part of our success is achieved by their dedication. For this reason we have decided to give a platform to our resellers; to share with us a little bit about themselves in this dedicated area. Today, we hand you over to Hilltop, a reseller located in the United Kingdom.
Katie Weston, founder Hilltop Cloud, Dugoed, UK
I’m a former science teacher with an independent streak. I live in the foothills of Snowdonia in Wales, in an 18th century cottage with my parents, 2 dogs and an ever increasing flock of chickens. Fibre is both my job and my hobby, and it’s rare to find a day where I’m not making textiles in some form or other. Despite no longer teaching in schools I still love to teach and share knowledge, so I’m often found teaching classes here in the UK, or online to people all over the world.
How and why did you start this business?
When I left teaching I needed to find a way of earning money, and wasn’t quite sure what that would be. I opened an Etsy shop using stock purchased with my final salary payment and thought I’d see what happened, ten years later I’m still going and with no plans to stop. I love running my own business, it suits my personality perfectly, and whilst it’s not without challenges I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am lucky to live somewhere with enough space to let me work from home, which works really well for me and my family.
Why did you choose to be a DHG reseller?
I’m always on the hunt for excellent and unusual fibres to supply to my customers. DHG has an amazing selection of fibres that I’d never seen anyone supplying in the UK. I’ve expanded the range I stock over the years and the fibres that I source from you have become firm favourites with many of my customers.
How do you build trustworthy relationships with your customers?
Honesty is key, it’s unrealistic to expect everything to go perfectly, but so long as you communicate clearly, most people are kind and understanding. I have an online community group that I use to interact with customers, and share information about new products and ideas. We also use the space to hold group craft-alongs, and events like the Tour de Fleece. People can also ask for advice and help with things that they are making, and show off items they’ve just completed. I get to see what they make with the fibres I sell, and that helps me make more informed purchasing decisions, and offer a range that my customers want to buy.
Do you like the craft world, why?
Being a part of the crafting community has made me a better person, like any group of people there are some that are less than great, but there are also so many that are role models. I’ve found my fellow female-owned businesses to be a huge source of support and help, and I try to make sure that I pay that forward. Whether it be feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, speaking up against racism, or environmental issues there are so many people in this community who are trying to make the world a better place, whilst also realising that there is still more work to be done. It’s not perfect, but every day I am grateful that I ended up in this world of creative people.
What sets you apart from other resellers?
Probably the variety of fibres that are stocked at Hilltop Cloud. I stock a huge range of hand dyed fibre (and I dye all of it myself), but thanks to DHG and a few other carefully selected suppliers there’s also a really wide range of fibres that are commercially dyed. This gives my customers an enormous amount of choice and options no matter their needs or budget. I came in to this industry as a hand spinner, and as a result I know how to work with these fibres, and that means I can offer advice and explain to people how to get the most from what I stock. Transactions are more than just an exchange of money for goods, I also try to exchange knowledge.
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