A desire to be creative pushed Sibylle Hyde, 62, from west London, to launch her own business after retiring from teaching economics last year.
“I am a qualified upholsterer – I had taken classes since the 1990s. Since I enjoy making curtains, blinds, and upholstery, as well as cycling, I thought: ‘Why don’t I become a cycling curtain-maker?’”
Sibylle Hyde in her home workshop. Photograph: Sibylle Hyde/Guardian Community
Hyde set up her local curtain-making business in May, dropped some leaflets in her neighbourhood and made a website.
“I have a garage and a small workshop at home, and I’ve only spent around £1,200 so far on tools: a trailer for my bike, and some Ikea table tops I clip together for very long curtains,” she said.
“It’s picking up slowly, thanks to recommendations and some repeat business. I’ve been having around £250 worth of business a week, enough for now. But if possible, I will 100% expand and hire staff.”
Despite the long hours it takes to make custom Roman blinds from scratch, Hyde is very happy with her new venture.
‘’ I’m too young for going from 100 to zero
“You need to be careful that the work doesn’t impact your health, but for me, it’s perfect, I love it. Cycling keeps me fit, and I like creative problem solving.
“I’m too young for going from 100 to zero. I’ll do this for as long as I’ll be able to, and am thinking of offering upholstery workshops for kids.”
The Cycling Curtain Maker 