Moving to Cornwall
Lifestyle
Our Story of Work-Life Balance and Starting a Business
A couple of years ago, we upped sticks and moved just outside Truro in Cornwall, hoping to achieve that elusive work-life balance so many of us strive for. We had been living in a beautiful village in the stunning Peak District in Derbyshire, but as a television producer and director, most of our work took us out of the county. I spent a lot of time commuting to MediaCityUK in Salford, while Dom was often away filming all over the country.
Why We Chose to Relocate to Cornwall
The Peak District has a dark, majestic beauty that is spectacular, but we’re a family who loves the sea—and there isn’t much of that in the middle of England! I have family in Cornwall, and we spent a big chunk of the school holidays here (generally overstaying our welcome). One October half-term, I took the kids to The Headland Hotel in Newquay for afternoon tea with the ‘High Witch.’ For those who don’t know, the original film of Roald Dahl’s The Witches was filmed there. Our son had been reading the book at school, and it seemed like a fun thing to do—it was.
After indulging in tasty little sandwiches and Halloween-themed cakes, I was sitting on Fistral Beach watching the kids running about in their short sleeves when I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing to live down here?’ Then, ‘Maybe we could…?’ The spell had been cast, and I was well and truly bewitched! Luckily, Dom and the kids were also excited about the idea of living in Cornwall, and now here we are.
The Challenges of Moving to Cornwall
Obviously, it wasn’t as simple as packing up and going. We had plenty of anxious thoughts about relocating the kids from their school, leaving our friends and family behind, and whether we would find enough work in Cornwall. But we had to try it—if things didn’t work out, we could always move back up north. Thankfully, it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
What’s It Like Living in Cornwall?
Since moving to Cornwall, we’ve fallen in love with the lifestyle, the community, and, of course, the breathtaking scenery. Cornwall is one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth, from The Lizard to The Roseland, from Bodmin to Bude, from Minack to Mawgan Porth. We’re truly spoilt when it comes to stunning landscapes, coastal walks, and amazing places to explore. The people are incredibly welcoming, our kids love it here, and we’ve become hugely popular with our friends and family ‘up country’—especially during the school holidays!
How We Started a Video Production Company in Cornwall
Dom and I have always loved storytelling—listening to people’s experiences and capturing them on camera. We’d always toyed with the idea of creating micro-documentaries, and one day we asked ourselves, ‘What if we did this for a living?’
Maybe taking the plunge and moving to Cornwall gave us the confidence to take another risk and set up our own video production company. Or maybe we were just suckers for stress! Either way, Reef Knot Productions was born.
What’s Next for Us?
Who knows what the future holds, but fingers crossed, we get the perfect work-life balance we always thought was beyond our reach. Uprooting our family and running a business in Cornwall has come with its challenges, but the rewards have been incredible.
Thinking of Getting a Video made?
Lifestyle
Why Authentic Storytelling Through Video can Help Connect with Your Customer
Last night I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and the face of an actress I like pops up, so I watch the clip. The actress is brushing foundation into her face, pauses to admire the result and then gasps a predictable ‘wow’! Apparently if I use this particular brand of foundation all evidence of aging will be banished, and my face will take on the dewy glow of a 20 something. I sigh as the respect I once had for this actress plummets, along with my opinion of the brand she’s promoting. I find these kinds of ads irritating and disingenuous, really, I can get bright white teeth using a certain toothpaste? Really, if I use a particular brand of shampoo, I can get thicker hair? Ultimately, I don’t trust the brands that use that type of advertising and my guess is I am probably not the only one.
In a digital marketplace crammed full of these types of ads, companies are finding themselves in a tricky position, they want to connect with their audience, they want to promote their brand and they want their customers to trust them, but how?
Authentic storytelling through video has emerged as one of the most effective ways to engage clients and foster long-term relationships. Here’s why it works so well and how your brand can benefit.
1. Build Genuine Connections with Your Audience
Audiences want authenticity. They want to see the people, values, and stories behind the brand. Video storytelling allows you to share your journey, showcase real-life experiences, and convey your brand’s purpose in a way that connects with people.
Whether it’s a heartfelt testimonial, a behind-the-scenes look at your business or a micro-documentary telling the story of your brand. Authentic videos make your brand relatable and memorable.
2. Increase Engagement Across Platforms
Video content tends to outperform other formats on social media, websites, and email campaigns. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok generally favour video in their algorithms, meaning your stories are more likely to reach a broader audience. Videos that tell a compelling story encourage viewers to watch, comment, and share—expanding your reach and boosting engagement.
3. Showcase Your Brand’s Unique Personality
Storytelling through video gives your brand a voice and a face, helping you stand out in a competitive market. Your story is unique, and video is the perfect way to convey your personality, mission, and values. By doing this, you attract clients who align with your brand’s ethos, fostering stronger loyalty.
4. Strengthen Trust and Credibility
Authenticity builds trust, and trust is essential for client relationships. Videos that feature real customers, employees, or founders help to establish credibility. For example, sharing stories of how your product or service positively impacts lives can turn potential clients into loyal customers.
5. Drive Conversions and Business Growth
Authentic storytelling doesn’t just capture attention—it drives action. Viewers who emotionally connect with your story are more likely to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, following your brand on social media, or making a purchase.
Like my opinion of the famous actress, my trust in brands disintegrates if I think I’m being sold a fantasy. Authentic storytelling through video is a powerful way to build meaningful relationships with your audience. By connecting on a deeper level, showcasing your brand’s unique personality, you can engage clients honestly and still grow your company.