This is the latest in a regular series of Business Q&A features published weekly. This week, we spoke to Emily Swift, owner of Through the Looking Glass in Masham.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We sell yarns and craft supplies, and we also hold classes in crochet, sewing, knitting and needle felting, as well as holding a weekly social in the summer.

What does it take to be successful in business?

Determination and quite a lot of effort. And a welcoming personality helps.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

The enjoyment of the craft. I like teaching people and then watching them have a go and seeing what they come up with. I like passing the skill forward.

What’s been the toughest issue your business has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

Bereavement in the family. Before she passed away, I was trying to spend time with my nan when I could, and it was a choice between full opening hours and spending time with her. But it was a no-brainer: family always comes first.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

The local market stallholders. When I first came to Masham I spent two years on the market before I was offered this shop, and they were very welcoming. Ron Sedgwick, who sells optical equipment such as binoculars, was particularly helpful. In fact it was connections through the market that helped me get the shop.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

In the business I'm in, I'd have to say Sharon King at Ewe & Yarn in Thirsk. She trained me up and was very forthcoming with all the information I needed to know, such as about window-dressing or accounts. Even now I call her for advice.

What could be done locally to boost business?

Masham is a very good community, but I sometimes think that events here could be publicised better beyond the town. We're lucky in that there are events hapening here all the time, but it often seems that people outside the town – in Harrogate, Ripon or Northallerton – don't know about them.

I've been here for three years, but I still get people coming in who don't know it's not still a dress shop. It takes a long time for word of mouth to change things.

Best and worst things about running a business from Masham?

The best thing is the people and the community. When people go past, they'll wave and sometimes come in for a chat.

The worst thing is that the winters are very quiet. We shut in the first two weeks of January because there's just no point.

What are your business plans for the future?

We're hopefully going to expand some of the haberdashery and amigurumi range. [Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed creatures.]

More local artists and creative people are putting their products in our shop all the time. There's a lot of talent up here!

What do you like to do in your time off?

I enjoy being part of the Women's Institute, and joining in with some of the activities they do. That's my 'me time'.

Best places to eat and drink locally?

There are numerous pubs and breweries around here – you're spoilt for choice.

We've got some really good cafés too, such as Johnny Baghdad's, Bordar House Teas and The Lunchbox.

I've never had a bad meal in Masham!

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.