THIS IS ME: CHARLIE
Here’s a little bit about me and how I came to setup The Mill House and Wonder Den!
Back in early 2018, a few weeks after our daughter Ottilie was born, a warehouse space became available on the Dicker Mill estate and in my sleep-deprived state, I said to Ben I have to have it!
Before having Otts, I worked as an event & experiential Graphic Designer in London which I loved, but there was a small part of me itching for a change.
So while Otts slept I began putting together a business plan and attending business start-up workshops. As I emerged from the baby fog I started to have second thoughts - can I really do this? Do I have enough money? Will it put too much strain on the family? Then I got a call from the design studio I was working for, they had decided to close the business. So that was it, I had no other option, I took the plunge.
Ben and I worked day and night renovating the space from a very run-down metal workshop. I would go from Mum mode in the day looking after Otts, to business mode when she slept, filling skips, designing, painting, networking...it was a crazy few months, but by September 2018 we were ready to open!
Over the years, we've slowly but surely built it up into a thriving hub for the community. I've met some amazing local businesses who now run their classes, workshops and events at The Mill House, many of which are women-led business owners who have been so supportive and encouraging.
It's not all been plain sailing. Setting up the second studio a month before Covid hit was tough and then riding the wave of the Pandemic was challenging like it was for so many others, but with the support from our community, we got through it.
Last year, I set up Wonder Den, The Mill House's little sister, which blends and builds on my design experience and my love for running creative workshops at The Mill House! I recently had the business approved as a Community Interest Company and now can't wait for the next chapter and what that will bring!
