There are moments in life that reaffirm the passion, hard work, and dedication you’ve poured into your business. For me, winning a Small Business Sunday (SBS) award was one of those moments—a recognition that filled me with pride and excitement for what's to come.
If you're not familiar, SBS is run by the amazing Theo Paphitis, a champion for small businesses. Every Sunday, small business owners post on social media with the hashtag #SBS, sharing their stories, dreams and passion for what they do, hoping to catch Theo's eye. And trust me, the competition is fierce! With hundreds of posts submitted each week, standing out takes something special—something that resonates with Theo and his belief in supporting small businesses.
My Road to Small Business Sunday
It all started with a simple Instagram post that I spent a lot of time (possibly a bit too much) on and poured my heart into:
"Hi @theopaphitis, I'm Emma, the artist behind @makeyourmarkevents. After working in hospitality and climbing the corporate ladder, I always knew deep down I’d eventually do something creative. I just wasn’t sure what!"
"When returning to work became tricky after maternity leave, I picked up painting again and found this spark of passion. It led me to start Your Guest Canvas—a way for guests at weddings to create a piece of art together for the happy couple. Each piece is completely bespoke, created with love, and guided by a professional artist."
"This year alone, I’ve had 5,000 people of all ages paint with me across 55 events, mostly weddings and some corporate gigs too. Seeing how much joy it brings to people is amazing! I truly love what I do, and I’d be honoured to get a #SBS!"
When I hit “post,” I never thought I’d actually be selected—so you can imagine my surprise when Theo chose my business as a winner! I was absolutely buzzing!
Why This Win Means So Much
Winning SBS isn’t just about recognition; it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s validation that all the effort, creativity, and love I’ve poured into Make Your Mark Events has paid off. It’s also a huge confidence boost knowing that someone like Theo believes in what I’m doing.
Make Your Mark Events started out of a personal passion to help people create something meaningful together. Watching wedding guests or corporate teams come together to paint, often for the first time, is truly special, and I love seeing it every single time. They leave their mark on a canvas that becomes a treasured piece of art for couples or businesses. It’s all about bringing people closer together through creativity, and seeing the final result always gives me a rush.
But what excites me even more is the opportunity that comes with this SBS win. I’ll get to attend the annual SBS event, meet Theo in person, and connect with other passionate business owners who’ve gone through similar journeys. It’s a chance to share ideas, gain insight, and be inspired by people who love their work just as much as I do. Honestly, I can’t wait!
So, What Next?
The SBS win feels like just the beginning. I’ve got big plans for Make Your Mark Events, and this win has given me the confidence boost I need to start perusing them. I can’t reveal all just yet, but I can tell you that as well as bringing many more happy couples on board, I’m looking to expand my corporate and charitable events across the UK, helping even more people discover the joy of painting and the bonds it can forge. So watch this space – there are exciting things to come!
Winning the SBS award is honestly a dream come true. I’m so chuffed to have received recognition for my passion, and I can’t wait to see what doors it opens next. To anyone out there who’s running a small business or thinking about starting one, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Share your story, let your passion shine through, and you never know who might be watching.
Here’s to all the exciting opportunities ahead, and of course, to making more marks on the world—one canvas at a time!
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