About Us

Welcome to Kenzo Crafts

I'm so glad you're here! Let me share a little about who I am and how Kenzo Crafts came to be.

A Little About Me

I'm a proud mum to three amazing sons, and when I married my husband, I gained a wonderful bonus son too. Now I'm also a Grandma to six adorable grandchildren — Oscar, Jayden, Jacob, Freddie, Oakley, and Elsie-Mae — and another on the way! They have always been at the heart of my world, and I wouldn't change a thing!

I started my working life as a hairdresser — a career I truly loved. But when my son became unwell and needed to be home-schooled, I made the hardest decision of my life: to step away from work so I could be exactly where he needed me most.

How It All Began

During that uncertain time, I refused to give up. I leaned into my creative side and, almost by chance, stumbled across some hand-painted plaques on eBay. Something just clicked. I became fascinated and determined to learn everything I could about the craft.

After countless hours of research and trial and error, and with the help of a wonderful carpenter client, my ideas slowly became a reality. Together, we created my very first plaques using 2mm caravan wood. I nervously listed them for sale — and when that first plaque sold, the feeling was unforgettable. Even now, my heart still does a little happy skip every time an order comes through!

What started as a creative outlet during a tough chapter of my life grew into something so much more. Through determination, hard work, and a whole lot of heart, I found a way to support my family while doing something I truly love.

The Name Behind the Brand

When I was searching for a business name back in March 2006, nothing felt quite right — every idea seemed to already be taken. Then one day, while deep in thought, my golden retriever puppy Kenzo wandered over to me. In that moment, it was obvious: Kenzo Crafts was the perfect name.

Sadly, Kenzo fell ill during the first coronavirus lockdown in 2019, and despite our best efforts, we had to say goodbye. Losing him was heartbreaking — he was such a cherished part of our family. I take comfort knowing he's now at peace, frolicking in a field of buttercups with our black lab Jess, who passed away a few years before him. I'm sure most visitors to our home came to see Kenzo, not us!

Meet Myla Moo

Myla Moo came into our lives and filled the huge hole that Kenzo and Jess had left. She's a wonderfully natured dog who has fitted right in — especially with my eldest grandson and his younger brother, who came to live with us. Her empathy is extraordinary; she just knows when the boys need a cuddle. She'll gently rest her head in their lap and stay there until they're ready to move.

And when they need cheering up? She does this brilliant little dance on her hind legs before zooming around the house at 100 miles an hour. That's the terrier in her!

20 Years and Still Going Strong

It's been 20 years since I started Kenzo Crafts, and I'm proud to still be here. The coronavirus lockdowns, the rising cost of living, and the impact of the conflict in Ukraine (which tripled the cost of birch wood) have all brought challenges — but I've absorbed those costs rather than pass them on to you.

I've diversified the range over the years, and I'm always working on something new. Every product I make is crafted with care, and I'm committed to keeping quality high and prices fair. Thank you so much for your support — it truly means the world.