Following the fabulous news of my award shorlists, I was delighted to be invited on BBC Radio Norfolk to chat all things shoes and awards. A fun interview that made me feel at ease.

As part of my commitment to society and the community , I am often asked to attend talks, seminars, schools and institutions to share my story. A surviving against the odds story that encourages the community and especially the youth to find other routes within their lives through the power of creativity, the arts, entrepreneurship and STEM.

So it was a true honour to have been chosen by North Walsham High School to be a part of their mentoring scheme several months ago with a minimum two year commitment. As an ongoing commitment, I have of course many things in store for my very inspirational students.

This post was actually from last month - though it was a wonderful article created by the classy, handbag sized, Vanilla Magazine. Copies can be picked up from upmarket boutiques, hotels and shops.

It was indeed nice to receive this article in KL Magazine. Circulting around the Noprfolk and Suffolk areas, this glossy magazine is a must have for the fashion and lifestyle conscious.

You can read a full version of the article by clicking on the images in the right hand side column.

Milly J is so thrilled to announce that after waiting to announce this news for two months, she is able to confirm that she has been made a finalist for the prestigious, Drapers Footwear Awards.

One of the biggest footwear awards in the world, the event sees the innovative and forward thinking brands and individuals of the footwear world! With last year's winner being Jimmy Choo's creative director and designer, Sandra Choi! So to be considered within this awards ceremony is a true honour.

A wonderful day was had in Norwich's well-known Forum for the annual, Spring Wedding Fair!

An intimate setting for many a bride and groom to be; including other members of the public in the iconic setting of the Forum in the heart of Norwich.

Other exhibitors included Lou Lou Loves - Vintage decor hire and many a florist and cake maker. High end, sophistacted and full of buzz was the name of the day.

Of course, I was there with my bridal shoes and am getting somewhat better at decorating my stall - there's certainly an art to it! With the help of my mother as pictured, we got there!

The next Milly J wedding show will be next month! Stay tuned for that.

The widely read, Norfolk Magazine was very generous in offering me a 3 page spread in their glossy magazine.

With photographer in tow, the editor interviewed me within my shop and was in awe with the most unusual gifts and bespoke shoes on offer!

All About Shoes can be found on Norwich's, St Benedicts Street .

Milly J Shoes and Bridal Shoes of Milly J has excitingly been made a finalist for 2017's highly respected, Footwear Industry Awards! Taking the spot along with the likes of Skechers for Best Use of Technology / Etailer of the Year!

Wish me Luck - though don't forget that I have just launched my new retail shop - All About Shoes and so I am also a retailer now!

What a treat it was for me to be contacted by BBC Radio Norfolk to interview me on their early morning breakfast show!

As I have just opened my first retail shop - the news reporter popped round to my shop - All About Shoes on Norwich's, the Lanes to chat live about my footwear, endeavours and creative inspiration. You can certainly pop in and find an array of beautiful bespoke shoes and unusual shoe gifts too!

The interview can be found on BBC iplayer for the next few days.

I am so proud to have been given the nod again by the Footwear Industry Awards to be nominated for 8 Footwear Industry Awards!

As a small startup with my new venture underway, your support and votes would of course be appreciated.

Kindly vote for my hand crafted, bespoke shoes that I conceptualise and make myself - shoes that are deemed as Strikingly Unconventional!

Please vote for my 8 categories under Milly J Shoes here http://www.footwearindustryawards.com/vote-2017/

my categories are:

Ladies Brand of the Year

Fashion Brand of the Year

Footwear Brand of the Year

Platinum Shoe Award

Leader in Customer Service

Best Use of Technology

Personality of the Year

Footwear Designer of the Year

http://www.footwearindustryawards.com/vote-2017/

Thank you!