Playing Shop with Cath Kidston

In six talks, Cath Kidston shares her experience of growing her business from one shop to around 250, and then starting up again with a new brand. “I am driven by the power of ideas,” she says.

Cath’s way of growing a business may have been unorthodox, even anarchic, but watch her speak in these six lessons and you’ll learn about the basics that every business needs. You’ll find out about starting a creative business, growing, structuring and above all staying true to your vision.

It’s an amazing story and we can all learn so much from Cath’s experience.

About the Tutor

Cath Kidston MBE is a British entrepreneur and designer known the world over for her pattern and print design.

After leaving her eponymous company in 2016, Cath has gone on to establish a new design studio, Joy of Print, working with international retailers on print design and strategy and collaborating with independent companies via her studio portfolio.

She has published several best-selling books, her most recent being A Place Called Home with Christopher Simon Sykes.

In 2023, Cath founded C.Atherley, a body care brand specialising in scented geranium products.

Cath lives with her husband, music producer Hugh Padgham, in Gloucestershire.

What you Get

On-demand videos: six video lessons to watch any time

Live online session: “Meet the Tutor” with Cath Kidston, 24 June 2025

Audio: listen to the lessons in podcast form

Exclusive course forum: chat and share your thoughts on the course with fellow Academy members

Quiz: test what you’ve learned with our fun multiple choice quiz

Certificate: when you pass the quiz you will be sent a personalised Idler Academy Certificate of Completion