Miss Milly

So as you all know I love to support local and started a #girlboss segment where we could share, learn and inspire!

During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.

Miss Milly is a vintage floral stationery & lifestyle studio & online shoppe based in the beautiful Lowveld in South Africa. Each and every piece of Miss Milly paper products, with their stunning floral designs, are made by hand and with so much love. Authentic creativity at its best!

The first time I came face to face with this beautiful brand was at a Kamers market in Irene a few years ago. I was blown away by the gorgeous products at their stand and the stunning shades of pink and floral designs that were before me, laid out in all their glory.

We chatted to #girlboss Theresa, the Owner of the beautiful Miss Milly brand, and this is what she had to say!

You started your own business  –  How does it feel to be a successful #girlboss that inspires others and loves what she does?

I love that through my Miss Milly journey, I can inspire others on ‘a graceful journey of vintage floral living with an authentic heart.’

To live with an authentic heart – a heart that has taken time to know what it means to be human. To live with feelings, emotions, hurts and joys. To me there is nothing more beautiful or special as a #girlboss than that!

What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?

1. Find your tribe – surround yourself with cheerleaders and honest people! They will inspire you, tell it as it is, give good advice and always have your back.

2. Stay authentic and true to yourself. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust that little voice.

3. Serve people – when serving becomes more important than selling, you will reach the right people.

Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.

I would love to have a brick and mortar space – that hosts floral workshops, have a tea garden that serves floral cakes and floral tea, and a little corner filled with my paperie & lifestyle products. A space where you can escape to and be surrounded by beauty.

What is your advice to women out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?

Start by putting all your dreams and ideas on paper. Then work through it and break it into achievable goals. It is hard work, dedication, sacrifices, tears, blood and sweat but it is so rewarding and fulfilling! Build real connections with people and other small business owners. Be inspired but make it your own.

Buy books and educate yourself on business-related things. It is the one thing that I ALWAYS reward myself with – a business book! I see it as an investment in Miss Milly.

Tell us what is the BEST part about owning your own business and makes it all worth while?

I have built the most beautiful relationships with suppliers and customers and they have become more than that. There is nothing that I value more than my floral friends – every like, comment, share of a post, purchase, email – touches my heart.

Check out their beautiful website! The stunning imagery makes you so happy just looking at the gorgeous products on offer. You can feel the love that Theresa has for her business bouncing off her social media and website – the care and thought that goes into each post, every piece she creates. It is inspiring.

Please show her Facebook page and Instagram some love! Follow, share and like. Any orders will go out after lockdown so don’t forget to do some shopping on her online store.