In the Press - Business Success

A Joyful Journey: Azana Photo Frame

Azana Photo Frames was founded by Karen Dobson in 2010, right from her dining room table in Somerset. With a passion for design and a knack for creating beautiful, personalised picture mounts, Karen poured her heart into every order — one frame at a time.

Then came a twist of fate! A friend spotted an ad in the County Gazette for the Local Business Accelerator (LBA) — a nationwide initiative backed by BBC Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden and Prime Minister David Cameron, offering 12 months of free mentoring and advertising to help young businesses thrive.

Karen applied, not expecting much… until November 2011, when she got the thrilling news: she’d been shortlisted! Cue the squeals of joy - “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” - and a celebratory leap into the air.

Amid the festive rush and a flurry of Christmas orders, Karen had nearly forgotten about the competition. But in the New Year of 2012, the best surprise arrived: Azana Photo Frames was named a regional winner, alongside Martin Hill Photography.

From humble beginnings to national recognition, Karen has built her business with grit, creativity, and a whole lot of love - growing from her dining room to a dedicated workspace in her countryside home. Every frame tells a story, and hers is one of joyful determination.

In the Press

Read Karen's Success for Azana Photo Frames - Local Business Accelerators Winner

Celebrating Small Business Wins: #SBS - (winner 2012)

Back in October 2010, entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis launched Small Business Sunday — now famously known as #SBS on Twitter (now X). Each week, Theo handpicks six standout small businesses from thousands of hopefuls and gives them a well-deserved spotlight with a personal retweet.

Karen's business, being chosen is more than just a shoutout - it’s a game-changer! Winners often see a surge in Twitter followers, a boost in media attention, and a welcome lift in sales. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the passion, creativity, and hustle behind Britain’s small business community.
Editor: 

About myself before the Business

After leaving school I spent six years working in box manufacturing, learning hands-on production and attention to detail. I then moved into the retail sector, multitasking across roles for 21 years, gaining strong customer-service, operations, and team-management experience before stepping away for health reasons then returned to work as a sole trader and founded Azana Photo Frames.

From Dining Room Dreams to Online Success

What started in my dining room in 2010 has grown into a joyful little business that was on live on eBay, Amazon, and Etsy!
In 2013, I became a PowerSeller on eBay
In 2014, I joined the giant that is Amazon
And in 2021, I finally answered the question everyone kept asking:
“Why aren’t you on Etsy?” (because many prefer to on shop Etsy)
So here I am - proudly part of the Handmade at Etsy community, where creativity and craftsmanship shine.

I love that buyers here get to see who’s behind the work, follow the process, and request bespoke designs made just for them. It’s personal, it’s meaningful, and it’s full of charm.
You’ll also find me popping up at craft fairs and baby shows across the West Country - so whether online or in person, I’m always excited to meet you and help frame your special moments.

From Marketplaces to Milk Bottles - and Back Again!

Once upon a time, I was juggling eBay, Amazon, craft fairs, and baby shows like a pro…
Then came four irresistible little reasons to slow down - my adorable grandchildren! Becoming a Nanny has been the sweetest promotion I could ask for.

While I’ve stepped away from marketplaces and events, I still pour my heart into every design - now selling exclusively on Etsy and right here on my website. It keeps my creative spirit thriving, and I’m so blessed to do what I love while watching tiny humans grow and begin school.

Thank you for supporting and for letting me keep crafting between cuddles and storytime. 

Event;

The Baby Show, ExCel London - 20th -22nd February 2015 - stand N35 next to Mothercare.

SBS Award Event - January 2015 - Karen seen pictured with Theo Paphitis and husband Jamie Dobson at the Small Business Sunday (SBS) event at the International Conference Centre, Birmingham where she and over 400 winners received a certificate award.

Featured in the Somerset County Gazette - 9 January 2015 (pictured)

Success for Azana Photo Frames - Local Business Accelerators Winner