Tea Break: Jenny Maclennan

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This issue, we welcome Jenny, who has been busy setting up her creative new business, Isle Embroider.

What's your story so far?

I grew up in Harris and went off to uni in Glasgow after school. I was happy there for many years, I had a few different jobs and even went back to uni as a mature student. Eventually though, I realised that the big city didn't hold the same appeal to me as it

once did. So I came back to Harris.

What is Isle Embroider?

I saw an advert on Facebook for embroidery machines. Kate and Doug Blake were selling them when they closed down their shop and wondered if anyone local would want to take over that side of their business. It was not something I had ever really thought about doing, but it really piqued my interest, so I messaged them. They have (and continue to be) very supportive and helpful.

Heather Campbell came up with the business name Jenny@IsleEmbroider which I

loved, and she kindly donated her prize of embroidery to her husband

Christopher Campbell at CC Services Groundworks, who I am happy to say has come back to get more work tops done.

What are the main services you offer?

There are various designs such as the sheep and cow (among others) that I put on tweed and mount so they can be framed, I put them on tea towels, T-shirts and canvas bags as well and pom-pom beanies which I embroider with Isle of Harris (or Isle of Lewis!). I have also embroidered company logos on uniforms for businesses both local and further afield. My first job was chef’s jackets for Flavour and I have since done many t-shirts, hoodies, aprons and baseball caps for them too.

The Harris FC logo is also available as a sew on patch - get in touch for yours

now! More personalised embroideries for weddings or occasions can also be done, it’s always exciting to do something new but it does take more time to get it right. Thankfully Kate and Doug are on hand to offer their expertise.

What are the challenges and rewards of setting up a small business here?

Word of mouth is a great way for people to get to know what you do, and

to recommend you to others. It can be difficult buying what you need online,

but once you find a company that you like, stick with them so you know the quality and service will be consistent.

What is your favourite Harris place?

Harris is beautiful, the beaches are amazing! Exploring it with my daughter is the absolute best! At home, in our garden, playpark or out cycling, Harris is a great place to grow up.

Young models wearing IsleEmbroider products

How do you spend your free time?

There’s no such thing as free time with a six-year-old and a new business! I do love a true crime documentary though!

Tea break time: what are you having?

A cup of tea and a strawberry tart was today’s tea-time treat, that’s a hard one to beat! A selection of IsleEmbroider items are available in An Clachan in Leverburgh and Black Lab Gallery, West Tarbert.

Find Jenny on Facebook & Instagram, or email isleembroider@hotmail.com.