My Story
What was my mum thinking....
Stripe top with check trousers!
Growing up in the small village of Stogursey, in Somerset, surrounded by family and open fields
scrumping apples, playing in hay barns, scuffing my knees and riding horses
whilst watching my Mother, Grandmother's and Aunt's (I had 17)
knit, natter and occasionally play cards for pennies life growing up was idyllic for me.
I am Dawn (Hurd) owner, founder and creator of Hurd and Co.
The Co is my fantastic family who help, support and put up with me each and every day.
A country girl through and through.
Inspiration for my products often occurs when out and about,
usually whilst walking on the near by Quantock Hills.
The collections are designed with four basic considerations
Comfort, Practicality, Simplicity & Style.
Sustainability & ethical production are huge factors for us and whilst we are not perfect every effort is being made to move in the right direction with the promotion of natural,
biodegradable wool as an alternative to acrylic (plastic) yarn.
Striving to provide a transparent manufacturing process ensuring that you, our fab customer, can be reassured Hurd & Co is a conscious, forward thinking brand.
Next time you go to buy something
I encourage you to ask questions ...
Who Made My Clothes?
Is there any child labour involved in the production?
Is the packaging recyclable?
What are the working conditions like?
Become a conscious consumer, think about where you
spend your money, is there a social benefit?
Does the local community gain from your purchase?
They do if you choose to buy from us, a percentage from the sale of each adult scarf is donated directly to
mental health charities on your behalf.
Somerset Stories recently interviewed me for the fantastic podcast
all about people who live, work and create in Somerset
You can listen here
VALUES
Isolation, loneliness & depression amongst our friends, family and neighbours is a responsibility I feel we all share and after dealing with the recent Covid situation I am positive we all have a much better appreciation and understanding of just how important and fragile our mental health can be.
I'm confident we all know someone who lives alone, is retired or withdrawing from community life.
All it takes from us is a smile, a conversation no matter how brief, an offer of help with shopping or collection of medication. It would have a huge impact on their day, it's nice to be nice.
MISSION
"The notion of feeling lonely or isolated is such an alien concept to me as I have, for as long as I can remember, been surrounded by family" To recreate memories of being at Nan's my intention is to set up 'Sit & Knit' community group for elderly people at risk of isolation, loneliness & depression. Whilst we sit & knit we will share stories, worries and laughter over a cup of tea and cake whilst listening to Vera Lynn, maybe even enjoying
a good old sing along.
PROMISE
To promote the use of 100% natural wool in the production of our award winning scarf.
To use recycled/recyclable packaging.
To use reusable jute sacks as an alternative to plastic or paper.
To use Cork Leather as an ethical alternative to animal leather on all of my outdoor country clothing.
To reduce our environmental footprint through supporting British business whenever we can.
To donate a percentage from the sale of each adult chunky knit scarf to charities
supporting mental health.
With the introduction of an outdoor country clothing line I will ensure ethical working practice in the manufacturing process and source organic cotton for the garments.