Sisters' business lights up

Two sisters who have set up their own company after saying for many years that they wanted to run one together are using Newark Market to sell their products.

Hannah Dennis and Emma Titera finally decided to take the plunge two months ago and set up a company, FairyDusk, selling decorative LED lighting for the home and garden.

“When we hit on this idea it just seemed right to go for it,” Emma said.

“We have managed to set up so quickly because we love and believe in our product offering.

“We both have similar tastes so have been able to make quick decisions without any sisterly fall-outs.”

Hannah, of Newark, comes from a business background and has been heavily involved in the setting up and marketing of FairyDusk.

Her sister, Emma, lives in Melton Mowbray and is currently working in hospitality.

She said she was at her happiest when chatting to customers.

“Although there is a ten-year age gap we have always been close and love spending time together,” Emma said.

“Our husbands despair with us for shopping all the time and now we are lucky enough to combine our love of lights with shopping.”

The couple have met manufacturers and wholesalers to clinch some exclusive deals.

They have also visited trade fairs to research what is on trend at the moment.

They have already thought about Christmas and are now planning for spring and lights in the garden.

“The whole process has been a joy. What girl wouldn’t like researching pretty products and shopping for a living?” Hannah said.

Their aim is to stock products not easily available on the high street.

They have a range of children’s lights and, as their own youngsters range in age from three to 13, they know what appeals.

'Newark is a great market town'

Their stock also includes light-up signs, crystal fairy lights, firefly lights and micro lights. They are also selling luxurious blankets.

“We think blankets and lights are a perfect match for cosy nights,” said Emma.

She said they decided to set up a stall on Newark Market because they wanted to give people the chance to see and feel their products and they wanted to be able to meet their customers.

“Newark is a great market town and the concept of having a stall meant that we were able to easily reach more people,” Emma said.

They said the senior town centre officer, Mr Brian Rawlinson, had been helpful and encouraging and given them plenty of ideas from his years of experience.

The couple will be on Newark Market on Saturdays and also plan to have stalls at shows and fairs.

They will be doing home parties and selling their lighting through the FairyDusk Facebook page.

“Hopefully our love for lighting will be infectious and our customers will love the lights for their homes as much as we do,” Hannah said.