Founder’s Journal - Reimagining Stratum Marquetry
A Purpose-Driven Journey
Recently, I read Simon Squibb’s book What’s Your Dream, and it has completely reshaped the way I think about running my business. Stratum Marquetry has always been about more than just creating beautiful, modern marquetry pieces—it’s about sustainability, education, and community. However, this book has given me the clarity to ensure that every single decision we make is directly aligned with our core purposes.
A shift in mindset
Before reading the book, Ravi and I were committed to our values which we set out from the beginning, but now I realise that being purpose-driven isn’t just an aspect of the business—it should be the foundation of every action we take. Instead of viewing our purpose as something we incorporate when possible, I now see it as the very structure that guides all our decisions, from product development to marketing and outreach.
The two purposes that we’ve come up with
We feel these two purposes fit rather nicely within what we do:
Creating modern marquetry surfaces using recycled and reclaimed materials.
Educating, inspiring & upskilling our community through workshops and courses.
Simon Squibb’s book helped me discover these purposes and understand that these aren’t just goals—they are the reasons why Stratum Marquetry should exist. It’s a work in progress but it’s great to have these two foundations to work on and with.
What this means for the future
More Focused Offerings – Every product or service we create must reflect our commitment to sustainability and our community.
Stronger Community Engagement – We’re spending a lot of time discovering what this looks like. Does it mean launching a CIC? We just want to ensure our workshops reach those who need them the most.
Authentic Storytelling – Our marketing, social media, and newsletters will be more intentional, ensuring that every piece of content we share connects to our purpose.
Key lessons and points I’ve taken from What’s Your Dream
Culture is crucial. A strong company culture attracts the right people and builds a sense of purpose within the team.
Sometimes we take on uninspiring work, but it funds our greater mission. These jobs help us move closer to fulfilling our purpose.
Never prioritize profit over people.
Use passion and experience to make a positive impact on people and the planet.
Clearly state our intent, share our dreams and challenges. This builds community and invites valuable advice and support.
Don’t overthink content creation. It’s more important to share our message than to aim for perfection and never share anything.
Be the face of the business. People connect with authenticity, not just polished professionalism.
Giving back for free helps grow our reach. Contributing to our mission attracts a supportive audience.
People follow brands that do good. Standing out by making a difference encourages engagement and loyalty.
Our business is driven by purpose and guided by a dream.
Invest in a positive and flexible workplace culture. Happy, valued employees contribute to long-term success.
Maintaining our digital presence is essential. Keeping our website, blogs, and social media up to date ensures we remain relevant.
Success comes to those who practice delayed gratification.
Train people, trust people, and step back.
Build a team united by purpose, mission, and values.
Hire generalists in the early stages, then specialists as we grow.
Joining HelpBnk: #GiveWithoutTake
To further embrace this purpose-driven mindset, we’ve joined HelpBnk, an app created by Simon Squibb and his team. It’s a platform dedicated to helping others for free, where business owners can either offer services or request assistance. I’ve already received valuable advice from an incredible expert—the founder of Space Café—who has provided insights for our brand and business refresh.
The Power of Purpose
Reading What’s Your Dream has been a bit of a wake-up call. It has reinforced that business isn’t just about making money—it’s about impact. By ensuring that Stratum Marquetry is fully aligned with its purpose, I know that we can create something truly meaningful.
If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or dreamer, I encourage you to ask yourself: What’s your purpose? And how can you make sure everything you do is in service of that purpose?
This journey has just begun for us, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
