Norfolk has a strong history in footwear manufacturing. in the late 1700s, James smith was one of the founding fathers of mass producing shoes when he realised that most people had similar sized feet. Creating lasts that could take away the small scale, bespoke creation. His grandson later branded the shoes as - Start-rite.

Spring forward several centuries and the 1930s saw the emergence of Van dal Shoes who also manufactured shoes in the city. However, we have now heard of the sad demise of one of the last remaining footwear factories in the country.

With this news, the BBC called me to chat about the future of British footwear and to visit me in my shop. The interview was aired on the Nick Conrad show yesterday and can be found on BBC iplayer at timescale 2:08:50 with the link https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06g3c3x

It was an honour to be invited as an ambassador for Norwich High School For Girls earlier this week. The small team of mentors teamed together for the Inspiring Females initiative founded by the school's head teacher and Siobhan Ecke. For the first time, it also comprised of men who made up the so called inspring people within the area.

However, it wasn't about us on this day. We spent the afternnon in mentor pairs and spent the day with up to ten, 14 year olds each. Guiding them through how they would start their own social enterprises. Looking into the seed stages, finaces, marketing, operations and so on. My team came up with a technology app and I was impressed to see how tech savvy they all were.

It was truly an inspiring day for all!

Following on from the amazing two day wedding show event at the Norfolk Showground, I was alerted to the fact that I was seen in action, conversing with the show public. Thanks to the EDP and the Norwich Evening News for this!

The Wedding Show at the Norfolk Showground is the biggest bridal event in the area. Held over two days, the weekend saw 150 top bridal suppliers and reatilers come together to meet with the enthusiastic wedding public.

It was the first Showground event that Milly J Shoes and Bridal Shoes By Milly J had attended. We were inundated with visitors to our exhibit and so it was well worth the time!

Following on from the magnificent overall win at the Archant, EDP Wedding Awards, I was surprised to find a fabulous in print article on the evening as a whole. It was wonderful to see such a great write up on my shop, win and shoes!

A chance meeting landed me with an exciting collaboration which is coming soon to Milly J Shoes!

Look out for this soon!

I was invited by the co founder and chairman of the East Anglian Air team recently to visit thier air base in Norwich. Patrick Peal is also the master Cordwainer of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, so it was a delight to share the footwear connection too.

I was taken around the area and got to meet and chat candidly to the truly inspiring team that make up the team.

Look out for connections with Milly J Shoes and the charity soon!

You can find out more about their work here https://www.eaaa.org.uk/

Held at Dunston Hall Hotel, in Ipswich Road, Norwich on Sunday, more than 60 exhibitors showed off what was on offer for a couple’s big day. Lots off exhibitors took to the venue from florists to top local retailers and cake makers. Among them was of course my brand - Milly J Shoes and Bridal Shoes By Milly J.

Helped out by my mother, pictured here with me in our matching skirts and shoes! The next big event will be the two day Wedding Show in the Norwich Showground.

I am thrilled that a year after opening the shop, I have been shortlisted for 3 prestigious, EDP Bride Wedding Awards. Although I have been designing and making shoes for 7 years now, the brick and mortar shop was launched last year.

Via 3 rigourous judging days, I am shortlisted for:

Newcomer of the Year

Bridal Jeweller or accessory Designer of the Year

Bride Innovation of the Year.

The award's night takes place later in the month. Fingers crossed!

Last year, I was delighted to be approached by two local ladies who had won awards in the prestigious, EDP Bride awards. They wanted to put together an editiorial including local bridal suppliers who had also won awards within the ceremony. So I was thrilled, as I had not applied to win an award!

Karen and Emily brought together a Fauvism shoot that was bursting with local creativity and talent with me designing and making the shoes.

The shot went to print, including in Your Norfolk Wedding and Bride Magazine.