Michelle Dodds is a surface pattern designer and founder of Bean & Bemble. She creates bright, bold, nature-inspired homeware and recently opened her first shop in Hebden Bridge. Michelle lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, two children and rescue saluki, Cleo
How do you spend your days?
At the moment, my days feel very hectic. I juggle running my shop in Hebden Bridge, managing my online business, packing orders, fitting in design work where I can, and figuring out how to grow everything sustainably. I have two children, one of whom is home educated but now attends college a couple of days a week, which has helped enormously. I’m also in the process of training casual staff, so I’m hopeful things will ease soon. Add in dog walks, family life, trying to keep fit, cooking healthy meals and endless to-do lists, and no two days ever look the same.
Friday night – cocktails or chill?
These days it’s usually a chill. Friday nights tend to be about switching off after a busy week, often with the kids and a film. A night in, cosy on the sofa with a big bar of chocolate, is very appealing, especially during the winter months. That said, on the odd occasion my husband and I do venture out, we love a good Italian meal followed by a few cocktails in our home town of Brighouse. Balance is key, but right now rest usually wins.
Saturday morning – parkrun or papers?
Neither, I’m afraid – Saturdays are shop days. Since opening the shop, I’ve been working most weekends, so Saturday mornings usually start with opening up and getting ready for a busy day. I do miss having slower Saturdays, and the mum guilt can be very real, but it’s a phase and I know it won’t always be this way. I try to steal a quiet moment where I can, usually with a good coffee in hand, before the doors open and the day takes off.
Feeding time?
Without question, cheese – mature cheddar in particular. I could eat it every day quite happily. I also love homemade soup, especially after a long walk, when something warm and comforting feels just right. Food for me is about simple pleasures rather than anything fancy, although I do enjoy a nice lunch out now and again. I’ll also admit to a growing latte obsession – Hebden Bridge has so many brilliant cafés that it’s hard to walk past without stopping.
Retail therapy?
I love antique shops and charity shops, and thankfully my children and husband do too. We love a car boot sale in the summer and are total bargain hunters. Since opening the shop in Hebden Bridge, I’ve really noticed what an incredible mix of independent businesses there are, and I’m trying to support local as much as possible, where budget allows. I also enjoy a full day out shopping in Leeds with my mum, usually followed by a fancy lunch. It’s a lovely contrast to everyday life and feels like a real treat.
Saturday night perfection?
At the moment, perfection is a quiet evening at home. After a full day in the shop, I’m usually ready to put my feet up, spend time with the family and relax. Fish and chips, a film and some downtime feel like luxury. The kids are often tired on a Saturday night after their theatre group, so most evenings are about recharging. Running your own business can be all-consuming, and I’m missing my family a lot at the moment, so spending quality time together when we can feels more important than ever – it’s certainly stopped me jumping on the computer in the evenings.
Sunday relaxation?
Sunday starts with some exercise if I can manage it. I like to begin the day with a swim or a gym session, as I always feel better for it. It’s a struggle to fit in during the week around school runs, college runs and work, so opening the shop later on Sundays makes this possible. When I’m not heading to work, we love walking Cleo in local woods or heading to places like Brimham Rocks or Oakwell Hall when we fancy a longer walk. I’m forever stopping to photograph flowers and trees for my designs – much to my family’s dismay.
Hopes for the months ahead?
My main hope is to find a healthier balance. I want the business to continue growing, but in a way that allows more breathing space for family life and creativity. It was bound to be hectic at the start, but I can’t go on at quite such a frantic pace. Training staff is a big step towards that. I have some really exciting new product ideas of my own, and alongside this we’re hoping to stock more beautiful pieces from other British businesses in the shop. I’d love more time to design, more time outdoors, and fewer feelings of rushing from one thing to the next. Mostly, I’m hoping for a year that feels a little calmer, but still full of colour, ideas and joy..
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Find Bean & Bemble on Market Street in Hebden Bridge.
beanandbemble.com
