IT'S a change of pace that took some getting used to but Laura Lambert is really glad she made the move!

The 30-year-old mother-of-two enjoyed a hectic career as a project manager working for drinks brand Bacardi until moving to Huddersfield because of her husband Richard's job.

She worked unhappily, she admits as a secretary with the NHS for almost four years before going on maternity leave and deciding that she wouldnt be coming back!

Now she has discovered how to put her creative talents to good use running her own business, Small & Gifted, making and supplying personalised wooden and fabric products for children and the home. The handmade items include door plaques, wall letters, photo frames, clocks and items for weddings, christenings and other special occasions.

"The NHS job was only a stop-gap," says Laura. "I suppose it was a bit of a backward step after my previous job and I certainly didn't like working in the public sector.

"When I went on maternity leave I didn't want to come back because I wasnt enjoying it."

Initially, she took up a franchise opportunity providing 3D castings of childrens feet and hands as a keepsake for parents.

But she says: "It was a lot of work for very little money. I was living and breathing it 24-7, so I cut my losses and looked for something else.

"We know several people with unusual names, who were saying how difficult it was to buy personalised gifts. I thought: "I could do this." I would be working for myself from home and I could work around my children.

"I started researching suppliers online. I knew what I wanted to make, but it was a case of finding the materials.

"I set up on Facebook, selling to my friends and within a couple of weeks it was obvious it was going to be successful."

Since its launch in March last year, the business has trebled its turnover and now employs two part-time staff to help keep up with the orders an average of 400 are sent out each month.

Says Laura: "I've always been artistic, although I'm no good at drawing! I used to do cross-stitching and making my own cards. As a child, I was always making things."

Laura's working day starts at 9am after she has dropped off oldest son Jacob at the nursery and continues until 3pm when she goes to collect him.

The evenings involve dealing with email and orders.

Weekends are strictly family time to be spent with husband Richard, who is the professional at nearby Crosland Heath Golf Club, and the boys not forgetting family cat, Sinbad.

"I have always said that the business shouldnt be to the detriment of the children," says Laura.

Laura works in a small studio amid paint pots and artists' materials.

"You also have to very disciplined working from home," she says. "I dont do any housework during working hours although I'll play some music when I'm working on my own. It's quite therapeutic."