My business: Miss Mackerel

The day I finally started Miss Mackerel

Miss Mackerel officially came to life in 2026, although the idea had been floating around in my head for years. I've always loved making things, and having my own little creative business felt like one of those dreams that was always one day away. Turns out, one day eventually arrives.

The scariest part wasn't making the products—it was asking people to stock them.

I remember my first day walking around Falmouth with a bag full of earrings, and crochet bandanas, hoping to ask local shops if they'd be interested. I was so nervous.

The first shop I walked into was The Oyster Catcher on the high street. The owner smiled and asked, "What are you up to today?" It was the perfect opportunity to tell him why I was there… but I completely bottled it. I mumbled something about "just having a mooch" and walked straight back out.

Not exactly the confident business owner I'd imagined.

Next, I wandered into Dills, one of my favourite cafés and shops in Falmouth. The owner was so kind. She looked through my products, asked loads of questions about how I made them, and immediately put me at ease. She even offered to stock them. I left feeling about ten times more confident than when I'd walked in.

On the way home, I stopped by my local yarn shop, The Wool Basket, to pick up some more cotton. They asked what I was making, so I showed them my products too. They became my own little hype team, full of encouragement and excitement. It was exactly what I needed.

Feeling brave, I made one final stop at Coastal Collective… and they said yes too.

I went home that day feeling completely overwhelmed—in the best way. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest part is simply asking. You never know what people will say unless you give them the chance.

Everything I make reflects the values that inspired me to start Miss Mackerel in the first place. My earrings are made from dried oranges and recycled beads, and I love taking apart old jewellery to create new necklaces rather than buying everything new. My crochet pieces—currently colourful bandanas—are all made using 100% cotton yarn from The Wool Basket in Falmouth, who have been nothing but supportive from the very beginning.

Miss Mackerel is still small, but that's exactly how every business starts. I'm excited to see where it goes next.