Born out of a love for Victorian and Georgian antique jewellery, Lucy Burke founded Margot and Mila in 2016 representing a modern take on this era as well as keeping a vintage feel to each piece. I was instantly drawn to her array of charms, trinkets, animals, symbols as well as her intricate design techniques.
I have always wanted to find jewellery which is sustainable, but also affordable, and I feel so lucky to discover Margot and Mila which does both! Using only the highest quality of recycled sterling silver and gold and ethically sourced gemstones, every piece is carefully handcrafted in the UK.
We are thrilled to have a delightful chat to founder, Lucy Burke.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I normally get up at 7.30ish, whenever I hear my 3 year old in the next door room. We have breakfast together which tends to involve music and dancing in some form, and then I take her to nursery and head to my new garden studio to start the day’s work. My work day is spent working on bespoke pieces at my jewellery bench, sending quotes and packing up website orders. There’ll normally be a trip to the post office at some point, and if I don’t manage to get out there’s a bench outside my studio so I settle with soaking up sunny spells on that. I tend to do as much of the business side of things myself - I photograph all my pieces, edit my website and send occasional newsletters when I can find the time. I’m expecting baby number two in September so its definitely about time to learn to delegate. Work finishes around 5 when my daughter is back from nursery and ready for tea and more dancing!
Where’s your dream escape destination?
Japan to me is the ultimate escape from what is normal and usual in my life. I’ll watch any documentary I can on Japan as I’m fascinated by its wonderful, strange quirks. And then there’s the sushi... It’s a trip on my more distant horizon for later in life once the kids have grown up.
What’s your vice?
Chocolate. Of any colour, in any form.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Currently I’m listening to Reclaiming Menarche - a wonderful podcast by With Grace who is a holistic body worker in Frome exploring women’s rites of passage and the blood mysteries. I also love a good controversial debate with Russel Brand or Joe Rogan. I keep hearing good things about Elizabeth Day’s podcast How to Fail so that’s on my list for the next long car journey. Music-wise I love so much of so many eras so it’s impossible to pick but I suppose right now I’m loving easy tempo Americana by the likes of Josephine Foster, Gillian Welch, Lou Reed and Kurt Vile to name a few.
Whats your favourite thing to eat?
Anything Asian - Thai, Indonesian, Korean. We are so lucky to have an amazing Thai restaurant in Frome (Thai Kitchen). I’m still on the hunt for a good local curry house if anyone has any recommendations? Oh and I have french blood so I’m also a cheese maniac.
What are you most curious about?
My honest answer: understanding myself. I suppose I came quite late to the self-discovery game and I’m finding it fascinating and cathartic. I’m reading a lot of Alain de Botton School of Life books (bought from Caro) and I recently did an intensive Transcendental Meditation course. It’s satisfying to finally be putting effort into personal growth having ignored it for so many years.
What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t serve your work, let your work serve you.
What are your top 3 items at Caro?
I love the daring, bold design of the Kana x Caro collection, the Pasta Dish is my favourite.
I’ve been searching for a good chair recently as we’ve just renovated our basement and have fallen in love with this teak and cane Webbing Lounge Chair.
See our Margot and Mila range HERE.
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