Hiya,
Thanks for stopping by, I thought I would share my business journey with you all as it has been quite the unexpected ride!
For those who don't know, I'm Ellie Mae. I'm 23 and I live in the English Countryside.
I started my brand back in 2021 when I was just 19 (Such a baby). I had just dropped out of University and didn't have a clue what direction my life was heading. But let's take it back a bit, ever since I was young, I had always loved being creative, whether that be playing in the garden creating potions or copying the pages of my Paddington Bear books onto blank sheets of paper. As I got older, I studied Fine Art, Btec Art-Textiles and Photography, none of which I particularly loved at the time. Art in school in my opinion is a load of waffle. I always found they wanted you to tick the right boxes rather than just create and explore, so when the time came in sixth form to apply for University I was stunned. I didn't know what I was going to do! Art Uni seemed like my idea of hell after 2 years of sixth form, so I decided to take a year out and work in a local farm shop cafe. The best decision of my life. I gained so much confidence in my self and pushed myself out my comfort zone, but after a year or so I began to miss creating so I decided maybe I do need to go to university.
Off I went to Arts University of Bournemouth to study Textile Design. After my arrival I had a gut feeling I'd made the wrong decision, but I couldn't leave. How embarrassing, or so I thought. Unfortunately, lockdown was during this period so perhaps this also tainted my view. I went to a few classes but I just knew this wasn't my path. I remember thinking I can't drop out, go home and just sit waiting around so I managed to get a job lined up working as a packer for a small business back home in East Sussex. So after a month, I left.
This was the pivotal moment in my life. I worked for a lady in her mid-twenties, she owned a brand called Precious Little Plum that was all hers, her little warehouse was a women's only team, there was hanging plants in the office and I just thought oh my goodness what if I could do the same. Being self employed isn't really an option when you're 18/19 or so I thought so I had no idea.
I decided to set up an Instagram for the first time (ironically, I had no social media, shocking for a teenager at the time I know) and started to share my doodles which gained a bit of attraction. I worked various part time jobs to keep myself going but invested time and money into myself by teaching myself various skills. Hours and hours of problem solving and experimenting. I taught myself pattern design, painted every day, built a website, learnt about finance and social media marketing and it all grew from there. I found my love of nature and plants very early on as I just love being outside. I love going on a walk and stopping to look at the details in leaves or wildflowers, there is something about it all that just fascinates me.
Everyday there is a new challenge but for me it is all about envisioning the life and end goal I want, and it really will happen. Back when I was 16, I went to Kew Garden with my friend for my Birthday and now at 23 Kew Gardens have been a stockist of my fine art prints for last 2 years or so. The power of manifestation! I've worked with clients all around the world, created prints that have been featured on swimwear, homeware, kidswear, womenswear. Collaborated with Wakehurst Place and so on.
I don't often sit back and think about my journey but when I do it makes me feel so lucky and grateful to the community I have across my socials, my incredible customers, because without all of you I couldn't do what I love every day. So, thank you so much for choosing to stay with me and follow me on this wonderful ride.
I have big ambitions for my brand, and I cannot wait to share it with you.
Ellie Mae x
