After all this time through the months of the pandemic, we have all been wondering when we can re-open our businesses. What a sorry sight the stranded high street began to look. Locked up hair salans, boarded up pubs and empty shops.

But moving on 3 months - Milly J Shoes is thrilled to say that it has decided to re-open on July 4th! We so look forward to seeing you then.

We've missed you!

Covid-19 has seen a surge in online chat portals, not least of all zoom. Before the pandemic, I was reticent to use any of these platforms, preferring to chat in person. But, like everyone else, I have had to accommodate the use of such tools!

With zoom in mind, Women's Institute, Golden Triangle branch invuted me to do a talk on my life and journey. It was a fun filled evening, as not only did I give a talk, but I asked the ladies to prepare their own lockdwon shoe designs and their favourite childhood shoes.

More online talks to come!

With the exciting launch of, Norfolk Talks last week, I was invited to chat to Stephen Bumfrey of BBC Radio Norfolk about thefine East Anglian people we have set to be a part of the series.

In his usual ubeat manner, he was able to get me to reveal a few of the fabulous inspirers!

The interview can be heard at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08cf5w3 timing, 3:32:18

I tentatively approached Archant with an idea and this is what I came up with! A new series of videos featuring some of Norfolk’s best known personalities and entertainers is being launched to inform and entertain people in the county through lockdown and beyond.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/edp-launch-norfolk-talks-anna-mudeka-1-6662720

During Covid-19, the EDP has been very loyal and supportive of local business. Of course, locality of the news is important to the newspaper.

I received the news of being a Drapers Footwear Awards finalist during the height of lockdown, and The EDP Newspaper were keen to publicise this news to their readership.

The link can be found below. Happy reading!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/features/norwich-shoe-designer-milly-j-fashion-award-nomination-1-6649837

Lockdown has been challenging for many businesses. Navigating new ways of working and continuing to reach out to clients has been part of this.

However, lockdown is not necessarily the moment to have expected to receive good news. Milly J Shoes has been made a finalist for Footwear Designer of the Year in the very prestigious Drapers awards. With judges including Adidas CEOS, Clarks, Schuh and many more.

https://footwearawards.drapersonline.com/2020-shortlist

Last week and (possibly the last talk I will do for the forseeable future due to the current situation - Covid-19), I was invited to share my story and business journey at The Assembly Rooms in Norwich.

It was a bustling room full of professional ladies from law firms including Steeles, Howes Percival and financial planners such as Loveday and Partners, to The Style Show and Jarrolds. However, due to Covid-19, you could see the numbers were more subdued than normal.

However, after a fine lunch supplied by The Assembly House, I took to the stage to share with the room my unusual story. It went incredibly well and I look forward to giving more talks after this has all blown over.

Please stay safe. Please also see the, Your Dream Shoes to Wear page for our Covid-19 promise to you.

Just because as a brand you may have been going for several years, does not automatically suggest you'll receive a front cover! However, this year was Milly J Shoes' year for this surprise. I may be a bit biased, but it in fact, the focal point of the image - the shoes!

Bride Magazine is one of Archant's top publications and each magazine lasts for a whole year, so enough time for me to get used to the front cover.

Included in the magazine are also Milly J shoes dotted about. Thank you to Bride Magazine.

Finding new routes for success hasn't always been easy, but can help inspire innovation. And this is what I hoped to share with Sydenham High School for Girls when I was invited in to share my astory two weeks ago. Thank to the school for hosting my lecture for their Socrates programme.

You can read the article here *copy and paste the link.

https://www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net/2020/02/emily-jupp-inspires-socrates-scholars/

As always, Bridemagazine put on an amazing two day show for the bridal public at the Norfolk Showground last weekend. From catwalks sponsored by Bullens Jewellersto back drops supplied by Big Smiles Photography to wonderful hotwl services offered by The Maids Head Hotel. It was lovely to meet both new and seasoned suppliers.