Meet the maker – Millie Moon

Services

16 Sept

Meet the Maker is a new series that takes a closer look at independent makers, breakers, dreamers and doers - ones I’m lucky enough to call clients, collaborators and friends, plus a few others which I admire from afar!

The aim of this series is to give a behind the scenes look at these creative businesses and find out how they started.

Today’s chat is with Becki from Millie Moon, a beloved haberdashery for creative crafters which is based in the heart of Frome.

When did you start your business and how did it come about?

Millie Moon started in 2008 with our first shop on Paul street, Catherine Hill in Frome. At the time both myself and Rachel were working in retail management, but had always wanted to work together (even as small children we used to play shops). I had originally done a degree in fashion design and Rachel was a qualified business studies teacher and with our retail backgrounds a haberdashery seemed the perfect fit for us both. We wanted to create a space that was beautiful and inspiring and that people would want to spend time in.

What made you take the leap into self employment?

We were very lucky to have jobs that allowed us to work part time which meant we didn't have to 'leap' all in one go. But it wasn't long before we realised we needed (and wanted) to be doing it full time and finally packed in the day jobs. Both of us are mums and family was and still is behind what we do, so sharing the load meant we could work around the families and never had to miss a sports day again! That flexibility is what drove us the most.

What did you do before you started your business?

Both of us had been working in retail management where we meet some great people (like yourself) but Rachel had a history in accounts and finance alongside her business studies teaching degree, so was completely ready to sort the back office side of things. I have a fashion design degree but quickly realised I preferred the actual making side to the designing (although I'm now back doing that too with our pattern range which are being expertly produced with yourself!). I specialised in merchandising in my retail management role and love nothing better than rearranging the shop regularly (not sure Rachel loves it as much when on her days she can't find anything oops!).

What does working independently mean to you?

Over the years I guess we have realised that working independently means a couple of things to us. Not answering to anyone else gives us freedom to go with your gut. If if feels right go for it, if it doesn’t don’t. It also means flexibility. The business has had to go through lots of changes dependent on outside influences and customer needs. We haven't had to keep in a box or justify our decisions except to each other.

What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?

Do your research. Look at the competition, what do they do well? What could you do better? Be inspired, don't copy.

Be realistic with your time management. We work to live, don't end up living to work.

And do something you enjoy so you don't get that Monday morning feeling.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given on your journey?

Although it is important to research your competition, don't compare yourself to them. As we all know social media always only shows the good bits and with more and more businesses going online or having an online presence remembering this is hard but key. Oh and because it's obvious to you what you do don't assume others would know. And make sure you put contact details on everything!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

You can't plan for everything! We've been through recessions, a pandemic, Brexit and now a cost of living crisis! These are tough times for any size business, so be flexible and realistic with what you can achieve and deliver.