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!

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.

I was invited by BBC Radio Norfolk to come into the studio to chat to Graham Barnard for the run-up yo Norfolk Day on the 27th July.

The county will be getting into the spirit of the annual event, as will Milly J Shoes! Find out what swe get up to soon.

With Mother's Day approaching, it was nice to find a kind write up in the EDP Newspaper featuring Milly J Shoes' and The Maids Head Hotel's Mothering Sunday event, It was in fact listed as one of their top 5 treats.

We are hosting another fun and creative decadent afternoon tea and shoe accessory making workshop held at the iconic hotel.

Please see the home page for details.

Milly J Shoes is thrilled to have been shortlisted for two Footwear Industry Awards. Receiving accolades from the industry heavyweights themselves is very humbling.

The categories I am shortlisted in are, Footwear Designer of the Year and Accesory Brand of the Year!

https://footwearindustryawards.com/finalists/

In a mad rush, I received a call from the BBC Look East news team wanting to come in to chat to me - immediately. Catching wind of a special shoe I had just finished making for The Bridewell Museum.

The museum is holding a pop up event all this month in celebration of Norwich's historic shoe trade. The exhibit features shoes created by a cross section of women, with a special Milly J shoe sculpture which will be permanently housed in the Bridewell shoe section.

If you've not visited the museum, it has a magnificent room dedicated to John Newstead, a local pharmacist who received an MBE for his services to the pharmaceutical trade. Collections of quaint and curious artefacts from the Victorian era fill jars and shelves and my - it is a sight to behold! Inspired by this, the shoe scuplture created was in homage to this.

I will reveal the shoe properly soon.

A few top and loyal bridal businesses within the Cathedral Quarter area were invited to exhibit at the beautiful Maids Head Hotel wedding open day. The doors flew open to prosepctive brides and their parties. Blossoming bouquets supplied by Elizabeths Florits. Elegant wedding dress displays from Elm Hill Brides. Classic settings from Bob Lloyd Toastmaster. Fun and vibrant photography from Just Big Smiles Photography. A spine tingling setting from Forensic Minds and of course bespoke shoes from Milly J Shoes!

Please get in touch with these businesses from your event needs.

To bring in the Christmas Spirit, Milly J hosted an afternoon tea and shoe clip making workshop at The Maids Head Hotel. The rooms were decked with classy decorations, our teacups were brimming and bellies full of scrumptious treats. The hotel did us proud.

The ladies who attended had great fun chattering and creating festive shoe clips to give as gifts. Streams of ribbon, bouquets of faux flowers, buttons, embellishments and more were offered to help create their wonderful clips. I took the ladies through demonstrations and then guided them through as they made their own.

As a partner with The Maids Head, England's oldest hotel, we are pleased to be hosting more of these in the future.

Earlier this month I was invited to Marshland High School in Wisbech as a speaker and award issuer. Congratulating the GCSE recipients with their certificates and awards for achievement. Joined on stage by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kings Lynn, the event was full of pride and high achievement. However, not all students will achieve the grades they or their parents desire, but this in no means stops them from paving their own way towards success.

Thank you for the beautiful bouquet of flowers!