Paul’s business combines his skills as a stone mason with a belief in his product
What’s the story behind your name?
When I first started creating my pieces of art I referred to them as ‘Feature Plaques’. This was before I created the business and I wasn’t even thinking about where these plaques could lead. My early commissions came from friends (Can you make a Manchester United badge for me?) and colleagues (Can you create a Celtic cross for the church?) but these started to grow in number and a separate business was created. I have always liked subtle humour and thought that calling myself ‘Chiselled Features’ would bring a smile to the face and my wife believes that I should put myself out there more. Hence the business was created as ‘Chiselled Features By Paul’.
Who runs your business? Do you have time to do any other jobs or is this full time?
I run the business with the support of my amazing family. I am a fully qualified memorial mason and run P. Milligan Memorials Ltd at the same time as ‘CFBP’.
What do you make?
I produce bespoke granite and slate feature plaques for your home and garden – from exterior house names and numbers to interior artistry and personalised gifts.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am forever coming up with ideas for one thing or another but my main inspiration comes from my clients. Because I make everything myself it means that I can create something that is completely personal and extremely bespoke. I am always up for a challenge and all of my commissions begin with a conversation. So come and have a chat!
Where can people find you?
You can usually find me at Worker Bee markets around the Stockport area but if you need me at other times then I do have an electronic persona – on my website and on Facebook and Instagram
Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to start their own creative small business?
As I’m only just starting ‘CFBP’ then I really don’t have much experience to pass on. I would say just one thing and that is to believe in yourself and believe in your product. If you want to do it then you can!
What have you been upto during the COVID pandemic?
Well, basically surviving! It has been a pretty tough time for everyone and my thoughts go out to those of you that have suffered directly from this horrible virus. Having a 7 year old son at home throughout this pandemic has been educational… I’ve learnt that I’m not a teacher. My wife has been amazing and, whilst working full time, has been able to do home-schooling and enabled me to continue running my business.
I have joined forces with a wonderfully talented artist called Helen Russell (Helen Russell Creations) to create a range of granite tableware and house signs that bear her fabulous designs. You’ll be able to find a number of her items on my stall when we’re back!
What have you missed about Worker Bee Markets?
To say that I have missed the opportunities given to me by the Worker Bee Markets to meet members of the general public is an understatement. As a small business with a product that can be made so completely bespoke to each client, there is nothing better than being able to interact directly with a customer.
I have also missed the camaraderie that comes with the Worker Bee Markets. The togetherness that you feel standing side by side (socially distanced obviously) with other small business owners who have a like mind is something that can’t be replaced. And the sooner that we can be back safely next to each other the better!
Worker Bee Markets 