Naoko's Story

I came with my husband from Japan and moved to Milton Keynes in September 2002.
At first I wanted to get an office work immediately as I used to in Tokyo. But I was totally occupied with driving and English lessons during the first year.

I also wanted to get acquainted with local people and joined the Milton Keynes Country Market (former WI Country Market) as a producer of Japanese paper craft (Origami) in April 2003.

At the market I met many people who appreciated my crafts. Until then Origami was just my hobby, but I re-discovered the beauty of my own culture. I was also inspired with fabric handcrafts that market colleagues made. So I started learning sewing from one of them, making fabric crafts as well.

On the other hand I started looking for a part-time job after passing a driving test. But I couldn't, although agents could have offered me a full-time job. I didn't take it, because I wanted to continue the market trade and craft making.

Instead of a part-time job I eventually found the Women and Work Group to take a variety of training courses and work as a volunteer in February 2004.

The Interpersonal Skill course was especially good to reflect my past and think of my future. Until then I had felt guilty and stressed for not getting a proper paid work. This course gave me courage to accept myself and to do what I like.

Introduced by the Women and Work Group, I also started a voluntary work at "MK Web" (Milton Keynes official community website), where I met Debbie, who coincidentally has a lot of experiences in crafts and encouraged me.

Gradually I realised what I really wanted to do is developing my craft skill more professionally and not the office work any more. My family and many people around also encouraged me to continue my crafts and some people suggested that I would teach Origami to local people. Finally I made a decision in July 2004 to concentrate on craft making, which became my turning point.

Soon I started teaching Origami and attending fabric crafts workshops.
Thanks to the computer course I managed to make my own Origami class brochure. The web design course was also helpful to get the idea of how to develop my crafts site in the future. So, all trainings turned out useful.

It is a great feeling to share my joy of making with many people.
I have become much busier, but felt happier.

Recently I have experienced the health problems of my mother and myself and have a difficult time, but it is great that I have something to keep me going at all times.

I really appreciate constant warm support from Women and Work Group, the people I've got acquainted through the group, my market colleagues and my family. Without them I couldn't have made my decision.