Behind The Brand // Milly Dent

Today we're excited to be chatting to the talented Milly Dent. Well known for her blue marbled pieces, Milly works with clay to create beautiful hand made vessels, cups, bowls and even candles. We're a huge fan of Milly's work and we're sure you will be too!

What do you love the most about being a designer and running your own studio?
The freedom to work on my own schedule at my own pace with the material that inspires and excites me.

Tell us about your journey to starting your business...
The process of starting my business was a fluid and exciting one. I started out very small, and through social media and word of mouth of friends, the interest in my work grew and grew to the point where I needed to set up a studio space, buy a kiln and was able to make full time.

What inspires you and your work?
I am inspired by the world around me, but in my current range there is a quite direct link to the ocean and bodies of water. I am also inspired by texture and the surface of things we use everyday.

What does a typical day look like?
A typical day means waking up early, getting my morning coffee and heading straight to the studio. From there I pour moulds and unpack the kiln. In summer, the studio gets super hot so I head to the beach for a quick swim to cool down at lunch time, and in the afternoon I work with the newly poured pieces, sand or glaze.

When I'm not designing I am…
Swimming in the sea.

Describe your creative space
My creative space is a wonderful collective of artists and designers who all work on their individual small creative business. The mix of designers, stylists, florists, costume makers, typographers, musicians and more make it an exciting and inspiring place and people to be surrounded by each day at work.

What advice would you give to a creative wanting to start their own business?
Be unique in what you are trying to sell, test the market to see if people are excited by what you are doing, Also make friends with other creatives who’s work you like and inspire you.  

Right now I am most excited about…
The sun in Nice, France. 

Photography by Milly Dent