Born in Cheshire, England, UK, Heidi Mottram showed a natural talent for design at an early age. “From as far back as I can remember, I loved making things, drawing and painting. If anything or anyone stood still long enough they ran the risk of having me draw them or on them!”

Her love of art continued, and she enrolled in a foundation course at the London College of Fashion and ultimately earned a degree in textiles from the Central St. Martins College of Art and Design. Shortly after receiving her degree, she began her own business, painting, designing and making corsets.

While traveling, Heidi discovered eel skin as a design material. “I knew about the material as my mother had a purse made from it when I was little. I loved it! I decided that I had to work with this material. Initially I made corsets from it but then embarked on a pattern-cutting course for accessories and decided to travel down the bag and purse route which I really enjoy! I now focus on the eel skin bags and purses, and went Ltd. at the end of 2007. It is an amazing material and I get to do what I love which is design!”

Heidi would prefer to spend all of her time on design. “I dislike that I now have a lot less time to design due to the amount of admin work required to run a business. I do, however, love being my own boss.”

She reflects; “Learning the rules and regulations to run a business.  This does not always come naturally for creatives! Also, when I first started I would approach stores with my products. They would say they loved the products but then say ‘but who are you?' and that they would only take on known brands. They did still, however, buy some of the products for their personal use! It was very frustrating. I needed someone to give me a break; then the others would follow.”

Heidi loves textures, and draws inspiration from nature and the environment. Her favorite designer is Vivienne Westwood, who she once worked for. Her advice to aspiring designers is persistence. “As cliche as it sounds, don't give up. Not everyone is going to like the same things as you, but some will. Once they love you others will follow.”

Heidi Mottram is a featured designer at UsTrendy.com, where you will find her blogs and portfolio.