Wingfield Digby – Small Business Focus

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Welcome to the latest instalment of Small Business Focus. I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Alice Wingfield Digby, Creator and Director of luxury gifting and homewares brand Wingfield Digby.

I have long admired Wingfield Digby’s collections of luxury gifts and accessories inspired by nature and the Great British countryside.

These beautifully handcrafted pieces are as unique as the feather’s used to create them.

With the range including photo frames, coasters, heat resistant placemats, candles and vases there is something to suit every country household and they make excellent gifts!

Alice started creating her pieces from her kitchen table. Wingfield Digby is now selling from stores nationwide including in Fortnum and Mason and has even opened the doors to its first store.

I first discovered Wingfield Digby whilst shopping at my favourite country store – Wadswick in Wiltshire. Now, let’s hear from Alice.

Alice Wingfield Digby

Tell us about you

I’m Alice, 33 and mother of 2 (Scarlett 2.5 year and Rupert 10 months). I recently moved out of London to take on an extensive house renovation in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

How and when did Wingfield Digby start? 

I have always had a fascination with feathers and remember being mesmerised by their intricate markings as a child.

Textiles was a great love of mine at school and for me feathers are the most beautiful textile of all.

The two interests culminated in the ideas of capturing and showcasing the beauty of feathers in luxury homewares.

I began making feather products at the kitchen table alongside my first job post-uni in 2010 and selling them at country events and the business has snowballed since then.

What has been your most inspiring or proudest moment to date in business? 

It’s hard to pick one as it has been such a journey.

Being asked to exhibit at a private sale at Clarence House by invitation only of HRH Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall was a huge moment of recognition for us. 

Opening the doors of our first store last year with our name above the door was very moving.

Looking around the table at our team Christmas lunch last year, as a team of 10 was rather a ‘pinch yourself moment’. It has been a long journey with lots of highs, and years of hard work.

And have there been any challenges? 

Many, it is often a tough juggling act and a roller coaster of emotions through the highs and lows of running your own business.

On many occasions a good sense of humour, resilience and great people around me has got us through some tricky spots.

What product is your favourite in the range? 

It is very hard to choose one… I love the table centres, frames and trays.

Guinea Fowl, Duck and Green Pheasant are my favourite feathers.

Going back to your younger self at that kitchen table – from what you have learned, what advice would you give yourself? 

Don’t lose sleep over it, it won’t always be plain sailing but that’s life.

What are your future aspirations for Wingfield Digby? 

To continue to grow our brand presence across the UK and beyond and produce more beautiful pieces.

As Wingfield Digby continues to grow and your product base broadens, what do you insist remains absolutely the same as when you first started? 

Quality and presentation are paramount.

Bit cheeky to ask – but can you give any sneak peaks into new products you have planned that people should be keeping an eye out for in 2020? 

We have a stunning new wall art collection.

Each one is unique with its’ particular feather markings. They are very eye-catching and their iridescence catches the light.

I can’t wait to get them up on the wall in my new house.

Work is being done by the British Game Alliance and its Eat Wild campaign to help showcase the health benefits of eating game meats. Do you have a favourite game recipe to cook at home? 

I love flash fried pigeon breast salad with roasted pine nuts and a balsamic glaze.

Thank you Alice!

I can’t wait to see what 2020 holds for Alice and her team at Wingfield Digby.

I am particularly looking forward to seeing the release of the wall art. It sounds like it’s going to be just like other Wingfield Digby products – absolutely stunning!

Very best of luck to you Alice in your business, family and house renovation! I don’t know how you do it all!

Please take a look at the product range and check out the Wingfield Digby website or follow them on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Peace out!

Jangles x

I have been gifted a set of Wingfield Digby Guinea Fowl and Green Pheasant coasters and tray for a future post collaboration. All views are honest.

Like this? Please share for others to enjoy too!