'I went from 35 years of boring office clerk work to this' - Covid changes East Lothian woman's career for the better

Susan Cameron was working as a project manager at a bank branch when the pandemic hit in March last year.

The 54-year-old, from North Berwick, had been in her line of work for 35 years before her contract was ended in October, forcing her into unemployment.

Having always enjoyed experimenting with her artistic streak, the single mum decided to keep herself busy by painting plain crockery for friends and family.

After posting a few pictures on Facebook, Ms Cameron was stunned to find people unknown to her started putting in orders for her work.

Susan Cameron painting a bowl and an example of one of her most popular buys at Echo Beach picture: Susan Cameron

In just three months, the office clerk-turned-artist has developed an online following of more than 800 people and had 350 orders over the Christmas period alone.

Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, Ms Cameron said she still has to pinch herself when she thinks about where she has got to now.

“Losing my job in October last year really threw me, but it’s been for the best,” she said.

Ms Cameron lives with her 15-year-old son Kyle who helps her post and package her artwork when orders pick up in between homeschooling.

Examples of some of Susan's work at Echo Beach picture: Susan Cameron

Her painting hobby has turned into a full time business she has called Echo Beach – named after a song by Canadian rock band Martha and the Muffins which includes the lyrics “my job is very boring I’m an office clerk.”

The words stuck with Ms Cameron ever since she heard the song years ago, so much that they have gone on to influence her fledgling company.

"I went from 35 years of boring office clerk work to this, so the name seemed appropriate,” she said.

"The song talks about wanting to go to the beach and I am lucky enough to live in North Berwick by the sea, so it was another reason to call the business that.”

A sunflower cake stand - one of Susan's most popular buys since she started her business in October 2020 picture: Susan Cameron

Ms Cameron’s designs range from wildlife to flowers to personalised names for special occasions.

She aims to keep the themes bright in a time where people are feeling dispirited due to the ongoing pandemic.

"I know what we are all going through is tough, so I thought all the more reason to do what I do to cheer people up during a time when everyone is wanting to support each other,” she added.

Ms Cameron was recognised this week by Theo Paphitis who is best known for appearing on BBC Two’s Dragons' Den.

Susan Cameron at work at her home in North Berwick picture: Susan Cameron

The entrepreneur reviews and rewards small businesses each week through his competition Small Business Sunday. He asks traders to tweet him @TheoPaphitis and describe their businesses in one tweet between 5pm and 7.30pm each Sunday.

Every Monday night at 8pm he chooses his favourite six, one of which was Echo Beach, which are then re-tweeted. With his 500k following, it provides a massive boost to the chosen businesses.

With her own trade very much in the beginning stages, the artist said she is in discussions with organisations to help her grow.

“I am coming into this a bit late, but I am working on getting myself on platforms like TikTok to promote my work. My son was reluctant when I suggested that, but I won’t be dancing around the kitchen table, it will obviously be for videos of my work.”

You can order Ms Cameron’s bespoke crockery through her Facebook page and Etsy.

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