British women turn creative passions into a business in rural France

Briton Lisa Phillips, 55, always dreamed of moving to France, but her career with the City of London Police did not seem to offer a route there.

However, after taking medical retirement in 2015, she and her husband found their dream property in Creuse. Lisa took a part-time job as an immigration officer in France before moving permanently to the department in 2022.

At a local market, Lisa met Judi Castille, 59, which led to a new business venture.

Judi, from East London, had freelance experience in the UK, including tax consultancy, and had moved to France in 2019.

With her husband, Tony Costin, she had set up Costin & Castille, a centre for creative and leisure activities in Gouzon. It included a craft and writing hub as well as a tea room.

Judi was also pursuing creative work using upcycled cottons and linens, while Lisa was exploring crafts and had registered as a micro-entrepreneur to sell beaded jewellery and hand-sewn items.

“After meeting Judi, I enrolled in several of her craft and writing activities, and over time, we decided that working together would be a great opportunity,” said Lisa.

Opening a creative space in Creuse

In May 2026, they opened Cou-Cou, a shop selling craft items such as hand-sewn cushions and aprons, handmade jewellery and paintings, alongside a café.

Upstairs is a workshop for hands-on activities suitable for all ages.

The pair charge customers €5 to use the premises for their own crafting, including a drink and a slice of cake.

Initially, they planned to open only on Saturdays and Sundays from midday to 18:00, but decided to add a mid-week session in response to local demand.

“Alongside the shop, we wanted to create a space where parents could bring their children to express their creative sides,” said Lisa.

“Children under 11 do not go to school on Wednesdays, and I’d often heard parents complain that there is very little for their kids to do.

“The entire first floor is set up with tables and crafting materials, plus a large display of second-hand books that customers can sit and read or take away with them.”

The costs of running a small business

Both Lisa and Judi registered individual businesses as micro-entrepreneurs, giving them the flexibility to work at their own pace and pay social charges based on their earnings.

“I draw a pension but do not have any other income, so although it is enough to live on, renting premises was not an option,” said Lisa.

“Luckily, I owned the premises in Gouzon,” said Judi, “which obviously saved on rental costs and gave us more flexibility over how we used the space. As it’s on the N145 roundabout, we’re easy to find and advertising is also very visible.

“We still needed commercial liability insurance, and if you want ambient music in the background, that’s another cost.”

Both women sell their craft goods in two other local shops. Lisa works in one of them for three half-days a month and pays 15% commission on anything she sells. Judi does not work in the shop and pays 20% commission.

“On top of this, you also have to pay 21% tax on all sales,” said Lisa.

To sell food and drink in their craft café, the women had to complete food hygiene training.

“If you’re able to complete one in French, this will cost around €400,” said Lisa. “If, however, you’d like to do one in English, you could be looking at up to €1,000, and you may have to travel quite a distance for the course as well.”

Aside from Wednesdays and weekends, when the shop is open, the women's days are spent working on their own creative projects, baking for Cou-Cou customers and posting on social media to promote the business.

At the end of the month, Judi works on the accounts and settles their social charges.

“Employing help comes with lots of rules and paperwork,” she said, “and you could end up paying an employee and not be making any sales at all.

“It sounds tough, and it is, but I wouldn't stop what we do. Experience pays dividends and over time you will get known and trusted, and recommendations and commissions will start to fall your way.”

Lisa agrees: “You have to be patient. You never get your money back on the time it takes to create your articles, and what you consider to be a fair price for your items may not lead to a sale because they’re overpriced in your area. It’s a labour of love.”

Does being British help?

“I’m not sure that being British is an advantage for our business,” said Lisa, “but I tend to sell typically British treats such as Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle cake, coffee and walnut cake, scones, Cornish pasties and quiches.”

She credits France with giving her the confidence to lead a more creative life.

“Although I’ve always enjoyed being creative, I only explored that side of myself when I moved to France and I didn’t learn to sew until I was 50, so it’s wonderful to discover how much I enjoy it.

“I’m not sure I would have felt as free to express my creative side if I’d stayed in the UK.”

Judi added: “I think I might have done it if I could have located inexpensive premises, but that’s unlikely in the UK.

“I’ve always loved old-fashioned haberdashery shops and this was my inspiration. Our shop has turned out better than I hoped.”