What is the best part of running your shop and business?
Meeting new people and exceeding customer expectations is incredibly satisfying. I love surprising people taking time to understand their ideas and helping bring them to life.
For example, a couple wanted a window seat in my Coral Passion Flower velvet design. When I learned they were moving and couldn’t take it with them, I suggested cushions instead something they could enjoy now and in their new home. It wasn’t about the price; it was about making sure they were happy.
What do you love most about your industry/job?
Being quick to market, not following trends, and being myself are key to my success.
All too often, people change because of what they think others want, perform the hard sell, and ultimately burn out, hating what they once loved. I strive to be true to myself while also not giving too much of myself. The most important thing to me is under promising and overdelivering. This way, I don’t get burnt out, and both the customer and I are satisfied. Win-win!
Tell us about your business journey with Emilia Hunt?
I became medically retired in 2016 due to cystic fibrosis and lost my sense of self. After a tough period, I began making gifts for loved ones. People loved them—and so did the public.
In 2017, I started designing my own fabrics. After having my son in 2021, I moved into a studio at Redhill Aerodrome in 2022. In 2024, I sought a space with retail potential and finally, in September 2025, I opened Curated by Emilia Hunt at 17 Bell Street. It’s my dream realised—a place to draw, make, and sell.
How would you describe your experience with the Economic Prosperity Team at Reigate & Banstead ?
Absolutely brilliant! The council couldn’t do more for local businesses. The grants are great, but the monitoring support is what makes it work. I’ve attended many Learning Lunches—skill-building talks, local networking, and yes, a free lunch!
I was a joint winner of the Entrepreneurs Academy in 2019, which helped me attend my first trade show. Now, I’m stocked in 24 shops across the UK and internationally. I’ve received several grants that helped me grow.
I feel looked after by Reigate and Banstead Council, and I feel heard as a small business.
If you could describe your business in one word, what would it be?
Innovating. Not in the tech sense, but in how I approach business—from an artist’s perspective and with a life full of health challenges. My designs are fresh, my shop features only UK makers I’ve met, and I’m building something authentic.
What are your plans for the future growth?
It sounds wild, but I’d love to open another shop in the future. First, I’d like to hire and see where that takes me in terms of growing wholesale, bringing a new perspective to my shop. As long as my business values are upheld with every decision, I feel like growth is always just a step away.
How did you get into this career?
I studied Fine Art, focusing on cameraless photography and even used CT scans of my lungs to explore themes of decay and light. Art has always been my passion, but I never imagined it would become my career.
What are your career goals?
I have never really thought of this until 2021 with my son and wanting to make sure he had the best start in life. I wanted to be around and to have my husband there too. My health managed to give us this in a roundabout sort of way.
Now, I strive for work-life balance and I feel I’ve achieved it. It’s not been easy, but it’s essential.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business locally?
Believe in yourself. It’s okay to fail—just start! Get the paints out, write the first sentence, send the first email. Put it out there and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised.
If someone was thinking of applying for Grant funding, what advice would you give?
Don’t hold back go for it. I always thought I was too small or didn’t have the right figures. But I tried my best, and that’s what matters. If your idea is working, use it and make your application stand out. Passion is contagious people will see it.