Still can’t quite believe this happened.
A short clip from this morning’s BBC Breakfast conversation about craft markets, handmade, and why supporting small businesses really matters — especially in the run-up to Christmas.
I care deeply about protecting genuine makers and the trust that sits at the heart of craft markets. That’s what Curated Makers is built on, and it felt really special to be able to talk about it on such a big platform.
Thank you @bbcbreakfast for having me 🤍
Eight years ago I stood behind my very first market stall and made £600 through the till.
Sounds great, right? Here’s the reality:
£600 turnover at 20% commission = £120
Stall fee = £60
Parking = £20
Petrol = £20
A couple of coffees to get through the day = let’s say £10
I went home with about a tenner 😅
My second market? Not a single customer through the door. Not one.
And yet somehow, that’s where Curated Makers began.
I’m going back through my camera roll and sharing it all — the real beginning, before the five locations, before the 300+ makers, before any of it. Because I think it’s important to show that every business you admire started somewhere small, scrappy and slightly chaotic.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey right now — this one’s for you.
You have to start somewhere. Eight years later, I’m so glad I did 🤍
Yesterday I went to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Garden Party — and I am still processing it ❤️
It was held in celebration of The King’s Trust 50th anniversary and the privilege of being there is not something I will forget in a hurry. Thousands of people on the most exquisite grounds, performances from young people connected to the Trust, afternoon tea that was so good I genuinely questioned whether the gluten free option was actually gluten free. It was that good.
The gardens were breathtaking. I stole a quiet moment to walk around them alone, which felt really special.
I spent the day with the wonderful Naiomi from @animalteach and if you want a highlight, watching her delight at the geese in the gardens was it. The heavens opened at one point, as they do. But on the whole, we got away lightly.
I felt a million dollars in my Hobbs outfit — which, for the record, was one of the most stressful purchases of my life. Completely worth it.
Afterwards, we headed to Fortnum & Mason for a drink before we went our separate ways. And because I can never quite let a moment end, I then went to the Ritz — alone, in my fascinator — for a glass of champagne and a Caesar salad. Because when else would you?
I am so proud. So emotional. And so very grateful for days like this 🤍
Two posts in two days. I don’t know what’s come over me. This is what happens when I spend time away from home, I fill every single pocket. Work, good food, good company, and bigger picture thinking.
Last night, on a complete whim, I booked a ticket to see Carmen at the theatre. Ballet is not normally my world as I am a musical theatre girl through and through, but I am so glad I went. Stopped at the Black Friar pub to eat as I always drive past it and never have I been in, so I went there and it was gorgeous!! Then a cocktail at Soho House for good measure afterwards of course 💁🏻♀️
Today was meetings at RHS Bridgewater, outside in the glorious sunshine, including a visit to our concession there and an exciting conversation where I got to share a bigger vision with someone I really respect. I cannot say more than that for now, but it felt significant. I’m feeling super grateful for having so many amazing people that champion @curatedmakers and I ✨
Ending the day at Bill’s before heading home to my family. And somewhere in between all of it, I actually found the time to map out a proper strategy. Something I never usually manage to find the time to do.
Something is shifting. I am not sure if it is the sunshine, or the fact that I have started running, or that my little girl is about to turn 2 and time suddenly feels very real. Or perhaps it is losing my wonderful dad and being reminded, in the most painful way, that life is far too short not to grab it with both hands.
There is a lot of work ahead. But creatively, I feel ready. Tough moments still come, I won’t pretend otherwise. But today was a good day. And sometimes that is enough 🤍
Today I sat in a room with government policy makers and the Small Business Commissioner and I said the things that needed to be said.
Not about VC funding, AI or investment strategy. About the reality of running a small business in 2026 — navigating rising operating costs, increased employer obligations, and a tax environment that doesn’t yet distinguish between a micro business and a much larger one. About doing all of that whilst trying to grow, trying to support the people around you, and trying to keep doing something you genuinely believe in.
I left feeling exposed. But also certain that those conversations need to happen — and that someone who is actually living it needs to be in the room to have them.
We represent over 300 independent makers, artists and designers. When small businesses like ours feel the pressure, so do they. That’s why speaking up matters.
If you’re a small business owner feeling the weight of it right now, know that your experience is valid, your voice matters, and you are not alone 🤍
If you have a concern, a query, a statement, something you’d like to pose if you were in that room please comment below or DM me so I can try to continue this conversation, as I’m hyper aware that I represent the voice of many others feeling the same👇🏼
#smallbusiness #thinkbigshopsmall #curatedmakers
Never did I see myself as a runner, but I’m half way through couch to 5k and I’m v v proud so far. Honestly this is a miracle and something I never envisioned I’d do, until now. I’ve been temporarily living on the coast for 10 months as we’re renovating our house in Manchester and being so close to the waterfront has been like a magnet for me and I genuinely believe that’s the only reason I’ve started to run, is because I’m drawn to the beach front especially when the sun is out or when the sunsets are glorious. Send help for the second half of the programme as I feel it’s about to ramp up a lot, I really hope I can achieve it 🏃♀️Anyone else completed it? Or found themselves to be an unexpected runner? ✨
I don’t even know how to write this caption without feeling slightly ridiculous 😂
A trip to Palma with my Mum. A Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Women in Business event on the Westminster terrace. A round table lunch with the Small Business Ambassador for the Government. Chelsea Flower Show. Our very first Curated Makers Bank Holiday Market at Battersea Power Station. A new kitchen going in. A house move on the horizon. And our little girl turning 2.
All in the next few weeks.
I genuinely feel dizzy. Someone send help 🤭
If you are a maker and want to be part of the market madness — applications are open, links in the bio👆
Reminder — applications are still open for our May Bank Holiday Market at Battersea Power Station. 🏭
If you missed Friday’s announcement, here is everything you need to know:
We are hosting TWO maker curations across the May bank holiday weekend in a brand new riverside location, right off the waterfront entrance at Battersea Power Station.
🗓️ Curation One — 22nd & 23rd May
🗓️ Curation Two — 24th & 25th May
Apply for one weekend or both. Applications close this Sunday 19th April — so do not sit on it too long!
Link in bio to apply👆
It’s live 🤍 Our very first Curated Makers Bank Holiday Market at Battersea Power Station is open for applications — two curations, four days, a brand new riverside location and hundreds of opportunities for small creative businesses this year! Right now, applications are open for our May market ✨
If you are a maker, this one is for you. Applications close 17th April. Link in my bio or head over to @curatedmakers ☀️
Just a girl trying on fascinators for her invitation to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with @kingstrust ✨ I genuinely cannot believe I am typing that 👑 👀
