Five minutes with Polly Griffiths
We speak to Polly Griffiths, founder of Polly Wolly Doodles - doodling since day dot.
Who are you and why did you start Polly Wolly Doodles?
Hello, I am Polly Ruffman, the doodler behind the doodles! My little creative corner went through several names and identities before I arrived at PWD. A lifelong doodler, I initially started out offering very traditional portraiture in 2017, as a way to move myself out of post natal depression after the birth of my second child. I then started to play with colour as my mental health improved, and for a time I called myself ‘Sunny Time Art’. After the birth of my third child, and thankfully this time not suffering with PND, I was keen to
get back to art and felt clearer on wanting to be more myself over Instagram and not worry about being professional! ‘Polly Wolly Doodles’ as a name came to me during a late night breastfeeding fiesta, and it all grew from there. I love connecting and encouraging others –alongside using my Instagram page to showcase my art, my account is also about celebrating and lifting us all up in whatever creative paths we take.
What’s your advice to others starting their own business?!
Don’t worry about not being sure about who you are or what you do – just keep on going!
What does a brief day in your life look like?!
I get woken up by the kids, who like nothing more than a good wrestling match over my snoring head first thing. Breakfast chaos ensues in which I try not to shout too much at everyone to eat their Weetabix and share the remote control. I get people off to various school and preschool commitments and then put my baby down for her nap. Whilst she sleeps – I work. I have ADHD, and art is
my hyperfocus and always has been, so I shut my ears and eyes off to what needs doing in the house and blitz through as much painting as possible during this time. Primrose (the baby) and I then hang out and play before collecting everyone from school etc. We normally have playdates as it’s a nice way for the kids to decompress. Once kids are asleep, my husband and I eat and depending on deadlines, I do more work/we fawn over our stupid big cat called Spike.
What’s your guilty pleasure?!
Watching YouTube’s of ingrown hair removal or people having their bones adjusted by osteopaths. I did question whether to share this, but its my truth and any other answer would be a fallacy.
Favourite holiday destination?
I haven’t been but I know I’d love Alaska (am not good in the heat ) – so am using this as my answer as way to manifest one day visiting.
What is your earliest child memory?
Sitting in the car on the way home from nursery, it was really hot and the sponge foam filling of the seat of the car was poking out and all scratchy but I felt happy.
What do you think is the key to happiness?
Not trying to understand life, just trying to be present and accepting.
Window or aisle seat?
Aisle – I need to be able to escape.
What’s a super power you wish you had?
The ability to take criticism graciously and not want to slap the person critisicing, despite me having asked their opinion.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t mumble.