Giving Back with Heart: Our First Not-for-Profit November
In November, we ran our very first Not-for-Profit November at The Teal Pony. The idea was simple but heartfelt: to offer local not-for-profits and charities a little creative support, either a website audit or a social media graphics pack, completely free. It was our way of saying thank you to the organisations that make our community what it is.
One of the organisations we were especially thrilled to work with was the Ganmain Craft Cottage. These incredible ladies give so much to our town and to visitors passing through, always offering their warmth, wisdom and a welcoming cuppa. I’ve always loved seeing their space and the amazing work that comes from it. It’s the kind of place that inspires creativity, generosity and a sense of belonging, capturing the very essence of a small country town.
When they came to us, they had no branding, no logo, no colour palette, no fonts — just a blank canvas. I have to admit, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I love the opportunity to create something from scratch with a business. It can be a big undertaking, but I enjoy the soul-searching and the rabbit holes involved in drawing out the information needed to create something truly aligned. Even more, I love getting to know the people behind the brand. We’re always so much more than just what we do.
For Ganmain Craft Cottage, we went a little beyond the original brief and included our single-session branding package alongside their graphics pack. Moments like walking through the finished project with Sue are why I love this work. Her eyes lit up and she said, “You are so clever!” Her excitement, her openness to possibilities and the sheer joy of seeing it all come together reminded me why giving back, even in the busiest time of year, is always worth it. It’s that sense of creation, achievement and connection that makes my heart happy.
As someone who always has a craft project on the go — currently hand-embroidering Disney symbols onto a denim jacket and crocheting a blanket in my brand colours for the office (ever on-brand) — I can’t help but see the parallels. Crafting, whether with thread or pixels, is about patience, care and bringing something beautiful into the world. Collaborating with Ganmain Craft Cottage felt exactly like that: nurturing creativity, celebrating community and making something that will continue to give back.
Not-for-Profit November was a labour of love and a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. We’re so proud to have worked with these amazing ladies, and we can’t wait to see where their creativity and incredible community spirit take them next.
