A successful pin badge maker has gone from working part time at Homebase to running her own stationery and accessories business.

Ella Quinn, from Rochester, used to collect enamel pins to wear on her Homebase apron but now, inspired by her love of the little badges which brightend up her uniform, she now runs Quinn’s Pins and sells them to others.

After making herself a cheese-themed pin, with the words Brie Happy on it, she started to sell her own designs on the handmade and vintage crafts website Etsy.

Just under two years later Ella quit her part-time job to work full time for herself.

Ella now has her own webstore where she sells stationery and key-rings as well as enamel pin badges which include everything from food-related puns to feel good messages.

She said: “I never saw myself doing a ‘typical’ 9-5.

“I had always liked the idea of being freelance and designing my own products but I did not know if being self-employed was an option for me.

“I had made a mock-up of a badge that I had made for my work apron and put it online to see if anyone was interested.

“After a few weeks I had my first sale. I was so excited, but also scared as I really wasn't expecting it.

“All the money from the original pins went straight back into the business and I made 100 pins and said to myself ‘let’s do this for real’.

“Running the business on my own has been tough, as I do not have a manager who can advise me, but I love being my own boss.

“When it comes to the design I try to make them relatable for people and I combine this with the designs that I like myself.”

The 26-year-old started her store in 2018 when she was 21 and now is selling between 200-300 products every month.

Ella also runs an Instagram page where she shares new designs and has almost 7,500 page followers.

Quinn’s Pins can also be found at a monthly stall in Rochester High Street near the city wall.