SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY// Lara and Izzi from Izzi Rainey

Izzi, Lara, thank you so much for speaking to us, tell us a little bit about yourselves’...

Lara: IzziRainey is a small textile and stationary brand based on Izzi’s family farm. We started the business together in 2014 after graduating from University. Izzi and I have been friends for over 15 years now, having been at school together in Norfolk. Izzi has always been an artist and designer and then went on to graduate from The Glasgow School of Art with a printed textile degree. After finishing my drama degree, I jumped at the chance to come back to Norfolk with Izzi to create a British textile brand inspired by her family’s farm in Norfolk. SO IzziRainey began….

Our aim has always been to design and manufacture high quality products in the heart of Norfolk. Izzi’s prints contain a rich hand stamped quality and this is detail is retained within the finally digitally printed fabric and designs.

Izzi: Growing up on a farm has been a huge influence on my life, especially working with the cattle. All my designs draw inspiration from life on our family farm, the Norfolk countryside, and other local farmers too. Farming is not just a job but an entire lifestyle, so we hope that IzziRainey designs now bring a small part of farm life into your home, just in a far less muddy way!

What inspired you to start your business?

It started from a crazy conversation on holiday, which soon escalated and here we are 6 years down the line.

What do you love most about your job?

Being able to work together has to be the best bit, there is a lot of laughs!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Izzi: From the farm, other local farms and the surrounding area. This became even more important in the middle of lockdown when we couldn’t travel. I felt lucky to have my inspiration quite literally on the doorstop.

Where is your favourite Norfolk place and why?

Izzi: The farm… it is where I grew up and I am just so attached to the place.

What does your perfect day off look like?

Both: A busy day at the farm/studio followed by a walk around the lake at Blickling estate and then back to the farm to light the bbq around the bell tent!

What is top of your bucket list?

Both: Have a boat party along the broads…

What's your secret guilty pleasure?

Both: Fish and Chips at the end of a day at the beach.

What's next for Izzi Rainey?

With everything going on it is hard to plan ahead, and so we haven’t really got too much in the pipeline just to avoid disappointment as many things have been cancelled so far this year. However recently we have launched a range of personalised cards and prints which have been really well received.

Favourite place to meet friends?

Lara: The Dun Cow at Salthouse is perfect for a few drinks in the evening, they have the best views!

Izzi: The Pigs at Edgefield. have been holding a food festival every Saturday which has been really fun to go to.

Favourite pub/bar?

Lara: Definitely The Gangway in Cromer. It is a small and cosy bar that out wonderful friend Will owns! He does the BEST Pornstar martinis!

Izzi: The Three Horseshoes in Briston - their beer garden is just lovely.

Favourite tipple?

Lara: Definitely a delicious Rosé for me- feels so summery!

Izzi: Bullards Strawberry and Black Pepper Gin with slimline tonic.

Video Credit - MicMacCreative