JUJU Books was set up in 2017 by Gillian Stewart after she did a traineeship with a traditional bookbinder and spotted a gap in the market. The studio takes on commissions of one-off bespoke projects, as well as short runs of up to 150 books, and Gillian plans to take on an apprentice in the future.
Name: Gillian Stewart
Age: 31
Position: Founder
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CALLED?
Juju Books
WHERE IS IT BASED?
Glasgow
WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?
IN short because the job I wanted to do didn’t exist. In bookbinding, I’ve found the perfect job for me – creative, technical and with never-ending learning. Running my own business means I work on interesting projects with great clients. I love drawing out what they need, working with suppliers, designing, problem solving, and making the book.
I studied illustration at Glasgow School of Art. After graduating, I spent a few years working as a children’s book illustrator before getting a traineeship in a trade bookbinder. I was surprised to find that I loved the extreme precision and technical skill involved.
I then went on to become a Queen Elizabeth Scholar, which allowed me to gain a huge amount of skills through training with master bookbinders across Europe. I never thought I would run a business but through word of mouth, I started taking on work and now run my business full-time.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
BUSINESSES and individuals wanting a bespoke book will get in touch and we’ll discuss their project. They might have an idea or not know where to start. After materials and structures have been decided, I’ll make their project by hand, using traditional and contemporary tools and processes. These have been around for centuries, and I mix this with more innovative practices.
I also run classes to private groups and one-to-one tuition and I’m currently developing kits and tutorials. I create fine bindings of my own design, which involves binding a book over the course of weeks, often incorporating hand dyed leather and gold tooling, and throughout the year I create limited runs of books, bound by hand and using the highest quality materials.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
MOST of my business comes from creatives in Central Scotland aged between 18-60.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?
I’M not just a manufacturer, but a designer-maker. I enjoy working with clients, and people come to me because of the personal attention they get.
IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?
SCOTLAND has been a great place for me. I moved to Glasgow from Argyllshire to study, but the supportive creative community has kept me here. It’s friendly, encouraging and people have really understood what I’m trying to do.
Premises and rent are also quite affordable, which has allowed me to take more risks than I would have in a more expensive city.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
I LOVE working with people to make something special. It’s rare to get the chance to handle handmade artisanal items in our day-to-day lives and I love offering that.
Bookbinding is a diverse craft with an important history and I feel lucky to help carry it into the future.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
MY biggest challenge when I started out was self-confidence, often feeling like I didn’t deserve to start a business of my own. I had a lot of help from The Prince’s Trust which was encouraging as a young person to whom the established business world seemed very intimidating. They’ve been great throughout my business, and I’d encourage any young person thinking about going into business to access their support.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?
TO be bookbinding, maybe closer to the sea! I’d love to be able to take on an apprentice, as it’s a craft that’s at risk of becoming endangered.
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