Former fashion editor and interiors consultant Emma Milne-Watson launched her jewellery brand, Milne Watson, in 2020.
Wanting to nurture her long-loved passion for handcrafted jewellery – which began in childhood, when she and her mother would frequently visit their favourite bead shop on London’s King’s Road – each piece created by Emma is handcrafted with a unique touch, and the collection features vintage beads, recycled glass, and both precious and semi-precious stones.
Inspired by nature, art and most importantly the free spirited charm of travel, we sat down with Emma to dive into her working life at her home studio in Sussex.
How do you start your days?
We live in a rural location in Sussex, so the morning means early dog walks at the foot of the South Downs followed by coffee – my ritual!
What’s your go-to uniform?
I need to be comfortable when I work, so it’s usually a pair of Suzie Kondi harem pants paired with one of my prototype cotton shirts that I’m working on, and always Cayumas velvet slippers.
Describe your workspace…
I work from home in our coach house, which has now been converted into my studio. I’m surrounded by books and windows – and my animals.
Define your aesthetic…
It’s an expression of the beauty I see around me. All of my life experiences have contributed to and shaped my style. I don’t believe in keeping up with the latest fashion or trends, instead in owning timeless authentic things.
Identify something in your workspace that’s special to you…
Having my daughter work beside me. She is a huge part of my inspiration and when she is home from university she is always in the studio beading away next to me – singing to music and chatting away.
What are your workplace essentials?
Natural light, silence and my cat Honey, who always sits behind me in my work chair keeping me warm.
What time of day are you at your most creative?
It’s not so much a specific time but a sense of feeling immersive readiness. I need at least an hour to be at my desk with my beads.
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Work takes you most frequently to…
I’m lucky that my work takes me to so many of the places I love, such as Jaipur in India, the US, Paris, London, and Mallorca. I’m super excited to be going back to India later this year on a buying trip.
What’s your go to lunch order?
It needs to be quick and easy – a smoothie.
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
My customers, especially when they have given my jewellery to their loved ones. The feedback is what keeps me going, and the loyalty they keep showing me. The role my products play in sharing love, peace and happiness.
And the most challenging?
Doing everything myself, plus juggling home life and work life all under the same roof. I try to work five days a week but inevitably it always spills into the weekend.
If you were to write a two-line job spec for yourself, it would read as follows…
Founder, visionary and designer. Storyteller of beads.
What did you study in school or university?
I studied make-up and hair styling at London College of Fashion.
Where are you from originally?
London.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at a PR Firm in Covent Garden, where I got the opportunity to dress the models during the catwalk shows at London Fashion Week. This was an injection into the fashion world that led me to my career in the industry.
What first sparked your interest in jewellery design?
My love for jewellery stems from my mother who would always take me to antique fairs to trawl through cabinets and find hidden gems. Nearly every birthday she would give me something small but precious, which made me appreciate the love of antique jewellery and the meaning of jewellery. Jewellery has always played a part in my expression of emotion, in a timeless and enduring way.
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Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
My mother has always had the most impeccable taste, and growing up surrounded by her aesthetic has paved the way for me to navigate my own path.
What were some hurdles you had to overcome in the early days starting Milne Watson?
During the early days, I was also working as an interior designer – which I loved, but finding the time to commit to both the growing businesses and compartmentalise my creativity with the two genres was very consuming. But, ultimately, the colours I was working with during my interiors process really helped with the designing of my jewellery brand.
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What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
Work isn’t work when it’s your passion – but it still takes a lot of commitment.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
I haven’t had a huge amount of advice – but I am a Capricorn, and we don’t take advice easily. I prefer to follow my heart.
What’s next for Milne Watson?
I can’t wait to show you what’s next. I can assure you it will be made with love.
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