Home Sussex, founded by mother of two Lizzie, is a relatively new endeavour but is deeply rooted in a passion for creating beautiful, timeless pieces. From elegant baby bibs to charming peg aprons, each item is carefully crafted to bring a touch of warmth to your everyday life.
As a slow fashion brand, mindful consumption is a core principle of our mission. All our items are handmade to order with a lead time of 7-14 days. This waiting period promotes thoughtful decision-making and helps reduce overconsumption. In today’s fast-paced world, the wait allows you to fully appreciate the care and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Who or what inspires you and your products?
I’ve always been drawn to the charm of French country aesthetics and the timeless appeal of the English countryside. This passion is reflected in my love for gingham, stripes, toile de jouy and florals. The timeless elegance of Laura Ashley’s designs has been a significant inspiration for me. Her legacy of creating beautiful, classic pieces to wear and for your home influences my work greatly.
How did you start your business?
I started the business in 2023. I bought a sewing machine during lockdown and, after producing exactly one dress, it sat in storage until our move from London to Sussex in 2022. As our son began to grasp the concept of Christmas, I became determined to find him a personalised, classic Christmas stocking. However, everything I found online was either mass-produced or far too expensive. So I decided to make one myself.
Teaching myself to sew, I found a pattern and adapted it to fit my vision. The response from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive, which encouraged me to sell my creations on Etsy. To my genuine surprise, I sold 20 stockings within two weeks. From there, I decided to create something else I needed, a Kindle sleeve, and it has grown from there.
How did you choose the name of your business?
The name Home Sussex was inspired by a combination of finally feeling at home in Sussex and the everyday moments within our household. Each item I create reflects those experiences, like baby bibs inspired by our little ones, a Kindle case sparked by my new device or a peg apron born out of frustration with a messy peg basket.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the finished product – the joy of investing so much time and effort into creating something and having it turn out exactly as I envisioned. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my ideas brought to life.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a small business owner?
Juggling two very young children, a day job and the demands of selling at various markets has been a challenge. However, one of the most difficult aspects has been marketing. With so many products on the market, many of them mass-produced, and large companies able to spend vast sums on advertising, it’s hard to compete. Trying to carve out a niche for handmade items in such a crowded space has been particularly challenging.
What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why?
My personalised kids’ bags and Christmas stockings have been my bestsellers and for good reason. These items, by their very nature, are meaningful purchases. Whether chosen for family or as thoughtful gifts, customers appreciate the care and intention behind each piece. They love the idea of something handmade that will last for years to come. My Christmas stockings hold special significance for me, as they were the very first items I created.
What does a typical working day look like?
When I have a full day to dedicate to work, usually on a weekend, it always begins with getting the children sorted first. After that, I treat myself to a coffee and dive into my orders – reviewing customer requests, cutting fabric and preparing any personalisation. I usually let that sit for an hour or two while I catch up on admin tasks, which often include taking photos for my website, editing and posting updates. I also spend time researching new product ideas and learning the techniques needed to create them. Once that’s done, I return to my sewing and aim to finish as many orders as possible before shifting focus to preparation for upcoming markets.
What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business?
This simple phrase has genuinely been a guiding principle for me, and it all came from Bluey – yes, the kids’ TV show. In one episode, Chilli (Bluey’s mother) tells her to “run her own race”. I often return to this advice, especially when I find myself comparing my journey to others who seem to be achieving so much, whether it’s making huge sales or having the resources to invest heavily in marketing. Whenever those comparisons creep in, I remind myself to “run my own race” and focus on my own path and goals. It’s crucial to stay centred on your journey without worrying about how fast others are moving or what they’re doing.
Shop Home Sussex at the Country Living Christmas Market this November for a thoughtful gift this Christmas!