In the first Getting to Know features, Fiona Lambert tells us about her journey to MADE in East Lothian.
The MADE Arts Hub was founded in 2016 by four creative women, including myself. We initially came together to share workspace and ideas.
Creativity lies at the heart of my personal journey to MADE. I graduated in interior design in my twenties. l then worked for design studios in Glasgow and London before moving back to Edinburgh to set up my own design business. I combined this with teaching in further education. l also founded a collective of independent designers, taking part in several group exhibitions. At that time, funding was not found to establish co-working space.
My career halted for a few years with the arrival of twins and our move to East Lothian. As soon as they started school, I opened a small retail design business in Haddington. 2012 offered new opportunities and I decided to pursue my lifelong interest in upcycling furniture and making original home accessories.
Inspired by the local social enterprise network, I was awarded a place on the Social Innovation Programme run by The Melting Pot in Edinburgh. This gave me the skills to set up REdesign the following year. My natural instinct to collaborate with other creative people led to the formation of MADE in East Lothian. I feel fortunate to finally find my ideal way of working.
It has been an exciting, interesting and challenging journey to get here today. I look forward to the next stage of that journey!
Fiona Lambert is the founding Director, MADE in East Lothian CIC. She’s available at the Arts Hub every Thursday. Drop-in to upcycle and repair, 10am to 12pm.
