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.

Milly J Shoes opened its doors to a group of refugee woman from across the globe. Working together with English + and The Museums of Norwich, Milly J Shoes hosted a shoe clip making workshop, Bringing the historic footwear element Norwich once housed back to its heart. A wonderful morning and afternoon creating embellishments for a special reveal that will become apparent soon!

Helping to motivate and inspire the next generation has always been at the helm of Milly J Shoes. Receiving an invite from an outstanding school, Thorpe St Andrew in Norwich was a delight to accept. I was asked to give a talk and workshop with a series of textiles groups, as textiles has been removed from the curriculum. This was an opportunity to try to reinvigorate this subject within the students. We found ways to evealuate ways in which to design for clients with the students been receptive and creative.

Look out for future collaborations between Milly J Shoes and Thorpe St Andrew.

A very kind, unknown individual had put me up for one of the global, Luxury Travel Awards. The first I heard of this was via an email. However, what is reassuring is that these awards are very diligent and sift through all the information they can find on the nominee before putting them forward. So I am delighted to say that I was phoned up to announce that Milly J Shoes has one the 2019/20 Luxury Travel Guide Award in the category of Wedding Specialist for Shoe Store of the Year!

I have posted about this previously, but last week was the actual event. Women across Norfolk had been chosen by the public and then an esteemed panel of judges and The Edp to become one of Norfolk's top 100 Most Inspiring Women.

It was a truly inspiring day, as you can imagine with some very talented and clever women (excluding my self)! I was placed on a table with women who included the UK's first female firefighter, high profile stylist, Chrissi Rix, head teacher of Norwich School for Girls, Kirsty Von Malaise and others.

Wine was poured and food was readily consumed in the stunning venue of Brasted's. Delightful chatter and a few tears shed as women came together.

Thank you to Sophie Stainthorpe, The EDP's head of content for initially nominating me!

The 100 Most Inspiring Norfolk Women newspaper articles can be googled.

If I could go back to a day last week that I felt inspired by, it'd certainly be last Friday. Together with English + and The Bridewell Musuem, Milly J Shoes opened its doors to a group of refugee women. Women from Bulgaria, China, Syria and beyond came together in the shop for a Milly J talk. Speaking about how I have faced stereotyping, but how I use this to my advantage. But, they in actual fact inspired me!

I look forward to welcoming more groups in November for shoe workshops.

*Apologies, the photo insists on being upside!

I recently had a very inspiring meeting with one of the top schools in the area, Norwich School. An imdependent school with fantastic resources. I enjoy working with the emerging generations to find new routes to creativity and career paths. Meeting with the head of faculties and art department., I am excited to say that they are keen for me to implement a series of footwear projects with them. They loved the fact that we have such a rich footwear heritage here and that Milly J Shoes is based opposite the school, making it very convenient.

Watch this space!