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!

I'd like to say a big thank you to Norwich's, Bridewell Museum for inviting me after hours to "snoop" around the collectiions and archives for inspiration purposes.

The Bridewell, who has an extensive Norwich Shoe collection has invited me to create an exclusive shoe for their collection! However, there is indeed more to this story. Stay tuned for more!

It was a very surreal surprise to open my email the other day to discover that I had been nominated and put forward as one of Norfolk's 100 Most inspiring Women! To be nominated is one thing, but to be chosen among many inspiring women in my opinion is another, Thank you for believing in the causes that I continue to fight for. https://www.edp24.co.uk/features/100-most-inspiring-women-in-norfolk-1-6294621

Last week, Milly J Shoes was invited by Archant's Bride magazine to be a part of their 2020 bridal subscription magazine shoot. One of the world's leading bridal publications, the magazine is an annual editorial.

Look out for these stunning photos soon!

I was contacted by OFSTED outstanding school, Thorpe St Andrew to come up with a project to help invigorate their students. They have removed textiles from the curriculum and they have asked me to work with them to re inspire this area. I have always maintained that the arts are incredibly important for both budding minds and adults. Minimising mental health implications, helping with dexterity, especially in terms of Alzheimer's. Creativity delights us, it teaches us skills in which to mend a broken item, it can innovate and it can help the mind see in other formats.

Look out for this exciting project commencing in November!

Milly J Shoes is just up the round from The UK'S oldest Hotel, the decadent, Maids Head Hotel. A hotel steeped in history and with a great award winning track record. With a similar ethos, Milly J Shoes is delighted to be working closely with the hotel.

Milly J Shoes can be seen in the grand foyer as well as a series of fun and engaging upcoming footwear workshops! The Maids Head has certainly looked after Milly J!

Milly J is excited to announce that she has been shorlisted for two prestigious Drapers Footwear Awards. The Drapers awards are one of the biggest awards that recognise the industry. Being alongside some behemoths of the industry is a true honour!

She is nominated as the Footwear Designer of the Year and The Best Sustainability Initiative of the Year. The second being her campaign to reduce the footwear landfill implications.