Corinne Lewis-Ward
Corinne Lewis-Ward on place and purpose
The North East has a way of getting under your skin — just ask Corinne Lewis-Ward. What began as a move from London to study photography at Northumbria University became a permanent love affair with the region. Her work is now rooted in the place, whether she’s creating niche products inspired by the North East or supporting local neurodivergent creatives through Creative Heritage Studios CiC. Corinne told us more about the joy of selling on Newcastle Quayside in all weathers, the power of knowing your own story, and the importance of listening to your community.
Photographs by Christopher Owens
Tell us about your current career path. How did you get here?.
I have worked as a freelance creative since 2005, working as an artist, in public engagement in schools and with a variety of community groups. Having moved from London in 1998 to study photography at Northumbria University, the North East was a new place for me to explore, and I had no idea it would become my permanent home. When I decided to put down roots in Gateshead in 2003 and my daughter turned 2, it was time for me to put my creative skills to use and begin to forge a freelance career as an artist. This is when my public engagement work truly began.
Fast forward to 2012, almost 3 years after the birth of my second child, and I began a more commercial arm of my creative practice by launching Powder Butterfly. I began by creating very niche products (jewellery inspired by my microscopy photography), but quickly realised that I had a passion for the place I called home that I wanted to share with the world. This is when I started designing 'Souvenirs with Soul'.
The next development came in 2020 when I realised I really missed my social impact and public engagement days. I decided to set up Creative Heritage Studios CiC. Over the next 6 years, this developed into an organisation that aimed to support neurodivergent creatives. With a recent diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, I realised that if I had received the right kind of support when I was pursuing a career in arts and culture, I would have thrived. My career has been shaped around my caring role and my own neurodivergent journey.
Despite significant challenges along the way, I have had a varied and wonderful career to date. Just a few highlights include: meeting Princess Ann at the launch of my first solo exhibition in Saltwell Towers in 2005; winning the 'Best Newcomer' award for Newcastle Christmas Market 2025; designing the 2025 Community Foundation award, recipients of which included Tim Healey, George Carke, Ann Cleeves and music producer Thom Lewis; and winning Silver in the Sustainability Award for the Sustainable Markets Awards 2026.
What’s your favourite thing about your role or business right now?
Powder Butterfly
People think I am mad when I say this, but I love selling my souvenirs on Newcastle Quayside every weekend. Admittedly it is often very cold, but because I work in isolation a lot through the week, I get the chance to have a day of fresh air, and meet amazing locals and people from all over the world. It is an absolute joy and my work ends up all around the globe.
Creative Heritage Studios CiC
Being a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community has given me a purpose that I never knew I needed. We have designed and delivered projects with young people and the public, and the variety of work I do and the way in which I get to work with young people who have so much to offer is an absolute joy. I particularly enjoy co-design projects to develop product ranges for clients, as this brings my product design skills and my public engagement experience together.
And the parts you’d rather leave behind?
I would happily leave behind the early days of having to learn everything and not really knowing what I was doing. The challenge of walking into a classroom of 30 kids and having to win them over was also not easy. At the same time it taught me so much about working with people. I’d add to that list the days when I didn't have an accountant and had to do my own self-assessment. I’m happy to leave that behind for sure.
Reality aside, what would be your dream job?
My dream job would be what I am doing now. I can't imagine doing anything else, although I would love to do more of it. I am exploring how I can provide practical work experience opportunities for neurodivergent people. I want to create a space to see them realise that they have some wonderful skills that can be unlocked and harnessed to do the things they love, and that work can be fun and creative and something you look forward to. My ambition is to help them find their purpose and place and give them the opportunities I never had.
“I think it’s really important to think about building a business that is reflective of you, your values and your story.”
“I crave meaningful connections with the people in my life. At the age of 50 it’s all about ‘quality over quantity’ with close connections. While I love my business network, it's those close connections that bring so much joy and a sense of belonging.”
What are some of your daily rituals and why are they part of your routine?
I love to go for a swim and a sauna with my husband. We have been together for 24 years, and this is our little self-care ritual. This massively helps me manage my stress levels and gives me time to switch off. I could not live without it.
I love the whole concept of Hygge. I work from home most of the time, and creating a warm and cosy environment is so important, especially in the dark and cold winter days of the year. This has become a bit of a ritual – lighting candles and putting the real fire on in the front room makes cracking on with work so much easier.
I have also started doing Vision Boards with close friends. I have done them before, but I am being more intentional with this, and I crave social time with the people in my life who mean so much to me. I gave up alcohol in 2023, and I have found that this, coupled with my AUDHD diagnosis, has meant that I am more socially isolated. So I crave meaningful connections with the people in my life. At the age of 50 it’s all about ‘quality over quantity’ with close connections. While I love my business network, it's those close connections that bring so much joy and a sense of belonging.
What would be your advice to anyone hoping to start a business or career in your industry?
The world is so fast-paced, and often in business, people really compromise their health, well-being, relationships and meaningful connections in an endless pursuit of growth. I think it's really important to think about building a business that is reflective of you, your values and your story. When I was asked years ago, "What is your USP (Unique Selling Point)?" I really struggled to answer this question, and they told me, "It's YOU!”. They also told me that "People buy from people". So my advice would be as follows:
1. Be really clear about who you are, what your values are and what your story is.
2. Use your values to shape your business. This will help you set clear boundaries.
3. Share your story to help people to connect with you on a more meaningful level.
4. Don't be afraid to try things out. If they don't work, you are one step closer to what will work.
5. Understand that your business is more than making money; you could provide employment, sustain a local supply chain, or embed positive social impact into what you do.
6. Be prepared to work harder than any 9-5 job and have very limited time off.
7. Listen to your customer/client. Their feedback will help you grow in a responsive way that will help you stand the test of time.
“With a recent diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, I realised that if I had received the right kind of support when I was pursuing a career in arts and culture, I would have thrived.”
Name some people who inspire you on a personal or professional level. What do you admire about them?
Suzanne Hutton – Owner of Staiths Cafe in Dunston.
Suzanne is a good friend of mine. She has previously worked in the Arts and now owns Staiths Cafe in Dunston. It is so much more than a cafe; it's a community hub, retailer of local artisans' work, employer for local people, and it also has a local supply chain for its food and drink. Staiths Cafe is an incubator for so many creatives, food businesses, and community groups. I admire Suzanne's vision, creativity and business acumen and the team that she has built around her.
Mick Ross, CEO Generator
I was the Chair for Generator Union (supporting the supply chain to the music industry arm of Generator) for a short period, and I got to see Mick Ross in action during that time. His dedication and commitment to nurturing the music industry in the region are something to behold.
I felt very privileged to be able to see first-hand the culture that he and Alice Fuller have created within the team. Hosting the Mercury Awards and MOBOS in Newcastle is just the beginning, but it demonstrates their tenacity and ambition for the region. As my daughter is a solo artist, this is a really exciting time for young people like her to live in the North East.
My daughter: Rosie Larada (stage name)
I am inspired every day by my daughter. Her drive and determination are something that you can't learn; you just have to have it in your bones. Being a 22-year-old female artist in 2026 is not easy. She is a singer-songwriter, and has been performing since she was 4 years old. She has a wealth of experience already; She knows how to launch a single and an EP, how to use streaming platforms, and she has planned and promoted an event in aid of ‘Stand Up to Racism’. She has also worked with Autistic adults to help them record their own music. My daughter's creative vision is something that inspires me every day. She has a very clear style of writing, and I love the community of musicians that she is working with, too. Their shared ambition and work ethic is truly admirable.