A HAMPSHIRE mum who swapped a career in journalism to launch her own business is celebrating its first anniversary.
Tilly Wilson retired her pen and reporter’s notebook after a career at both the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo and in marketing to fulfil her dream of creating her own business – Collecting Seashells.
Like most new businesses, Collecting Seashells was born out of lockdown and Tilly’s love of decorating her home.
The purchase of a lantern sparked Tilly’s passion and she decided to take the plunge.
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The 43-year-old Boorley Green resident said: “During lockdown, our homes were at the forefront of our attention.
“I bought the lantern and thought ‘I would love to do this, but I can’t’ but my husband pushed me to do it and supported me through it.
“I have always had a love of interior design and filling the house with what I call the finishing touches and having my own shop, but I have never been brave enough to do it.
“My little girl is 10 and I have been taking care of her and our family and doing my own jobs while my husband dealt with his business, so I have never had the opportunity to do this.
“This is something I have dreamed about and wanted to do for so long.”
Collecting Seashells is home to a range of home décor products; from furniture and decorative accessories to special seasonal collections.
Tilly handpicks everything that is on her website and attends trade shows or sources locally to find the best products for her customers.
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She said: “Being able to see and touch the products is very beneficial as I only pick items I would put in my own home.
“You can find different people and their products in different places.
“There is a gap in the market, especially for us as we are a smaller business that gives a personal touch.
“There have been a lot of learning curves and tears, but when somebody sends you a photo of what they have bought, that validates all of the hard work.
“There have been lots of ups and downs, but I absolutely love it. I have got something I feel very passionate about to call my own.”
Collecting Seashells will turn one on April 26 and to celebrate, Tilly has written a chapter for a book series called ‘Shine On You Crazy Daisy: Stories from inspirational businesswomen’ by Trudy Simmons.
Tilly said: “This opportunity came about at the right time and it seems this business is pushing and pulling me in directions I would not normally go in.
“I love the idea that Trudy brought a whole load of strong, professional women together for this.
“The book can benefit someone like me who was starting up a year ago.”
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