Redefining Country Classics: Introducing the All-New Barkworth Reeve Website
Hello!
I thought id jump online and write a post because I'm thrilled to bring you the inside scoop on the beautiful world of the revamped Barkworth Reeve website. A labour of love that I've crafted, this platform is not just a place to explore our amazing products – it's a haven that encapsulates the very essence of our brand, all designed with you, our country-loving customers, in mind.
Gone are the days when the old site could capture the spirit I wanted Barkworth Reeve to evoke. I reflect back on our first digital site, and I knew it was time to upgrade. It wasn't just about appearances; it was about knowing the platform showed our products in a way which spoke to you, our wonderful customer. The old site simply didn't do justice to the stories we wanted to share with you.
To be candid, the initial version of the website was a leap of faith on a platform that left me grappling with integration woes. I'm not hugely tech savvy and it just felt like an uphill battle!. I was determined to get something that looked good , but achieving it felt like navigating a rugged trail with unclear signposts in the dark wearing sunglasses with a grumpy toddler in tow!. Months later, armed with tenacity and a desire to get the best possible experience, I moved the etire website to Shopify. It's been a journey of growth, a journey where I've had to get comfortable learning fast and implimenting instantly. Not necessarily easy, but I feel its been worthwhile.
Rebuilding a website is like taming a wild horse – challenging, exhilarating, terrifying and hugely rewarding all at the same time! . It wasn't just about ticking off tasks from a to-do list; it was about capturing the something special, and (hopefully conveying) the essence of Barkworth Reeve in every word and image.
The process began with wire framing the pages – a delicate balance so pages didn't feel cluttered, but instead informative and beautiful. Armed with wireframes and motivated by a desire to create an exceptional one line experience, I approached it in much the same way that I do product design, that’s to say identifying what's missing and amplifying what deserves to shine.
As I plotted the layout, I pondered over what sets us apart. A blend of style and substance, my brand blueprint embraced the values we hold dear – quality, heritage, modern comfort, authenticity, and a touch of country warmth. It wasn't just about pictures; it was about delivered a feeling – the feeling of coming home, comfort and assurance. Product had to convey a feeling of familiarity but with an elevated modern twist, which (hopefully) makes them leap off the page.
The imagery, oh, the imagery! As I delved into the process, I leaned on insights from the brilliant Fiona Humberstone, gleaning wisdom that transformed my approach. Every prop, every material was chosen with care, each a piece of the puzzle that enhances our brand's story. Creating and crafting a brand language and narrative. Every image and word has to speak with the heart and soul of Barkworth Reeve – a language of english elegance, refined practicality and contemporary country vibe that speaks from my heart to yours.
The shift to Shopify wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about seamless integration. Aligning with social platforms suddenly got a lot easier, a testament to Shopify's prowess (I'm not getting anything back from Shopify for saying this, its genuinely what i think). Our Instagram and Facebook shops began to reflect the soul of our site. With a bit of tinkering and a hefty chunk of determination, I'm now able to bring you closer to our creations, although I am still perfecting the Instagram and Facebook shops!
This brand began with a spark of an idea, and now, as I stand here looking at the culmination, I'm pleasantly surprised at what I've created. The website's grown, much like a sprawling field of buttercups, embracing a range of products that I never envisioned a year ago. From a one-woman show, Barkworth Reeve is starting to emerge as a brilliant hub of creativity, and I'm excited for the stories and adventures yet to unfold.
Stepping away from the comfort of a design team and venturing out as a solo act has been a huge leap of faith. But it's also been an incredible journey, I've learnt more than I can articulate and I'm hugely grateful for every single customer who has shopped with us, visited us at shows and followed our social channels; thank you, this dream wouldntt be possible without you.
Jennie
Founder, Barkworth Reeve
