From Stay-at-Home Mum to Community Craft Business: How One Essex Mum is Bringing People Together Through Creativity When Sheena Pollard moved to the UK from Dubai six years ago, she never imagined that a love for crafts would grow into a thriving community business.

As a British Filipina mum living in Billericay, Essex, Sheena founded Penny & Thread, a colourful handmade brand inspired by her daughter, Penny. What began as a creative outlet during motherhood has evolved into a mobile charm bar, interactive craft experience, and small business that brings people together through personalised keepsakes and hands-on creativity.

Today, Penny & Thread can be found at local artisan markets, schools, cafés, family events, workshops and private celebrations across Essex. Guests can design and personalise their own bag charms, phone charms, water bottle charms, keyrings, pens and accessories, creating meaningful souvenirs while enjoying a fun and creative experience.

For Sheena, the business has always been about more than selling products.

"As a mum, moving countries meant starting again and building a new community. Penny & Thread became my way of connecting with people, encouraging creativity, and creating little moments of joy for families and friends."

Alongside running her business, Sheena is also the author of the children's book My Mama is a Filipina, celebrating Filipino heritage and helping children embrace multicultural identities with pride.

Giving back to the community is also at the heart of Penny & Thread. Sheena regularly supports local schools, community groups and charity events, using creativity to bring people together through interactive craft experiences. Most recently, Penny & Thread was invited to take part in a charity event at Havens Hospice in Benfleet, creating personalised charm experiences for families and visitors while supporting the hospice's community event.

Over the past year, Penny & Thread has partnered with local businesses and community organisations, taking part in school fairs, artisan markets, workshops and community events throughout Essex. The business continues to grow by offering bespoke experiences for birthdays, hen parties, baby showers, corporate events, cafés and community gatherings, creating memorable keepsakes that people can take home.

Looking ahead, Sheena hopes to expand Penny & Thread into even more collaborations with schools, charities, cafés and local businesses, inspiring people of all ages to slow down, create something meaningful and connect through creativity.

About Penny & Thread

Penny & Thread is a Billericay, Essex-based handmade business specialising in personalised charm accessories, mobile charm bars, DIY craft experiences, workshops and event entertainment. Founded by British Filipina mum Sheena Pollard and inspired by her daughter, Penny, the brand celebrates creativity, connection and joyful handmade experiences for children and adults alike. Alongside its products and events, Penny & Thread is passionate about supporting local communities through collaborations with schools, charities and independent businesses across Essex.