An award-winning illustrator and designer, who taps into her inner Stokie to sell her work all around the world, is drawing up plans for expansion.
Chloe Breeze is building a growing reputation for her designs, which range from quirky Stoke-on-Trent-themed artwork to live wedding portraits and fun, eye-catching murals for businesses.
The mum of one, who studied for a Degree in Illustration and later was accepted on a Be Inspired course at Staffordshire University, decided to take the plunge and go full time with her business – called Chloe Breeze Illustration – following the Covid pandemic.
Now after securing a number of contracts, seeing her work stocked in high-profile shops such as World of Wedgwood’s Josiah & Co, and receiving orders from places as far away as Dubai and New Zealand, she is looking to take the next step.
Chloe, who lives in Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent, said: “My aim is to grow the business in 2024 based on the wonderful support and encouragement I have had from customers and stockists so far.
“I already work in a variety of areas, but I have plans to expand the ranges and type of illustrations and artwork I sell. In order to do that I have plans to take someone on to look after the online shop and deal with the orders so I can concentrate on the new designs.
“I’m also looking to build on the work I’ve been doing to design bespoke murals for businesses and other organisations like the NHS, Port Vale, Dougie Mac and several museums. The idea is to produce something that is a twist on their brand identity and provides a conversation starter where its displayed.”
Some of Chloe’s best-selling work includes Stoke-on-Trent inspired artwork, which is proving popular locally and further afield.
She added: “We have produced The Stokie Edition 2024 Calendar, which is doing well in the run up to Christmas and the New Year, as well as things like an Alternative Map to Stoke tea towel and a 10 signs you’re a Stokie illustration.
“They sell well locally as gifts but also people who are working away, or who have emigrated, buy them or are sent them as presents to remind them of home.
“To me, thinking up with the designs comes naturally as someone who was brought up the city. But it is lovely to see how well they have been received.”
One of Chloe’s proudest moments this year was winning the Young Business Person of the Year accolade at the Staffordshire University Business Awards.
“It was fantastic, you should have seen my face when they read out my name.
“I couldn’t believe it – I felt like I’d won at the Oscars!
“It makes all the hard work worth it. To receive some recognition is truly amazing.”
