Having started out with a range of four journals in 2007, family run business From You To Me – whose concept is about creating and capturing stories and moments – has grown into an international, multi-award winning brand with a current portfolio of over 150 journals, books and stationery. “There are gifts for special occasions as well as “just because someone cares,” explains founder Neil Coxon, “and I’m so proud of what we do and what we’ve achieved.”
Looking at the highs and lows of the company’s own story, and it’s continuing journey, Neil, who started the business with his partner, Helen Stephens, the company’s creative director, reflects: “we have worked hard since we started, had our difficulties, but there are many things to be grateful for. We work with some amazing people who not only stimulate us to do and achieve things we didn’t know we were capable of but who have also become lifelong friends. We’ve discovered skills we didn’t know we had and won awards and medals that we didn’t know existed.”
He continues: “We have had great fun, laughter and tears through the sharing of fabulous, touching stories with customers from all over the world. Our products have been translated into many languages and we get emails and letters from celebrities, royalty, politicians and wonderful people of all ages telling us how much they love our products. We are proud, not only of the people around us, but of ourselves.”
Sharing some of the lessons learned over the past 15 years, Neil advises: “watch the cash flow but don’t be afraid to spend; recruit people who have the same values as you, are better than you, and care about them; never work your birthday; make sure you laugh as much as possible; don’t fear making a mistake, just learn and move on; give it a go; and take your dog to work.”
Looking to the future, he confirms that the company has had an incredibly busy start to its 16th year. “We’re relocating to a creative studio, recruiting new team members and have lots of projects and products in progress. We’re very grateful that we survived the pandemic, although very sad that some of our wonderful customers didn’t. We’re delighted to be back together again as a team and excited for the next 15 years. Well, it surely can’t be as challenging as the last 15, can it?”
Top: Dear Mum, among the From You To Me ‘journals of a lifetime’.
