Who are you and where are you from?

Hello, I am Millie, I founded The Chuffed Store in September 2020 and I live in South East London.

What inspired you to found The Chuffed Store?

I wanted to build a really exciting online store that made people’s eyes light up with delight. To tour around the British Isles finding beautiful things made by talented artist makers. I wanted to remind people that you can find the best presents made here, locally, by hand. Help artist makers tell their stories, shout about their work and commercially sell more. Put human connection right at the centre of things — people to people.

I wanted to tell stories, share hot tips and try to share that fizzy feeling. For it to be a place where you can either discover something new or get inspired to explore and experience something brilliant. Find a present for someone that they will be completely delighted with, from someone who is equally delighted that you bought it from them.

What’s the hardest and best thing about running The Chuffed Store and being your own boss?

Hardest: self pressure, self expectation, having all the drive and all the ideas but not all the time or the dollar.

Best: Working with and meeting so many incredibly skilled makers. I feel like a proud mum. Strategising, problem solving, and full creative freedom — that really excites me.

What and who inspires you?

Exhibitions, getting out and about — walking along the street and really looking, COLOUR, cooking, clothes, watching the seasons change. Kitty Travers and her ice cream of dreams. My family and friends.

What is your office luxury?

A big sliding glass door looking out over my brother’s wild and wonderful garden. Or listening to soundchecks at The Southbank Centre.

Your favourite office lunch?

A perfect plate of food rustled up out of fridge leftovers, eaten at a table with a knife and fork and a napkin. I really like making a delicious lunch for one and taking time to really enjoy it.

Best spot in the British Isles?

South Devon- it is loaded with childhood nostalgic memories, crazy high hedgerows, beautiful beaches and the best pubs.

The Walworth Road- some people loath it but I love it! Busy bustling urban life at its best. It is packed with charity shops and you can buy any ingredient you need for cooking up feasts. There is also a great stationery shop called Lasheens where you can get stickers and woopie cushions.

Edinburgh- where I spent four very happy years at university. My History of Art tutor used to take us to The National Gallery and weep at the paintings because the brush strokes were so beautiful. I met so many of my soulmates in this magical city. Check out the Edinburgh Travel Guide for all my best bits.

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

Having all the ideas but not having all the skills to execute them. Putting a price to your skills and time.

What would you like to learn next?

I would like to become a wizz on Photoshop and darn like Celia Pym.

How do you let your hair down?

Friends, food, far too much booze and a dance around the kitchen.

What are you listening to at the moment?

The Well Chuffed Summer Playlist of course! It really is mega. Aldous Harding. The Rolling Stones. Max Rad. ‘How I Built This’ by Guy Raz and ‘The Diary Of A CEO’ by Stephen Bartlett, Desert Island Discs.

What makes you feel well chuffed?

Finding funky handbags in charity shops, flicking through recipe books, food shopping: markets, corner shops, supermarkets — love em. Hot bath and clean sheets. Swimming in the sea. Village fetes. Wonky pubs. Laughing really hard with friends. Getting emails from happy customers and the fine fact that we have only ever had three returns!