BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design graduate Lauren Wilson has just celebrated the fifth anniversary of the launch of her successful coffee and artisan homeware and gift shop Mlkwood Store in Bridlington on the East Yorkshire coast.

Running an independent creative business by the sea sounds very much like living the dream so we caught up with her to find out more …

What course did you study at The Northern School of Art and when did you graduate?

I graduated in 2011 with first class honours degree from the BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface design, back when it was CCAD.

Where are you based? 

Currently I am back located in my home town of Bridlington on the Yorkshire coast.

Tell us more about your business and the story behind it

Originally after graduating I began my own business called Lauren Cherice Designs. This was based on my love for illustration and screen printing and was mainly inspired by nature. Then in 2018 with my partner we opened as Mlkwood Studio, which originally started as a gallery/studio structure but since Covid has expanded to become Mlkwood Store.

Just before Lockdown my partner also joined forces with Jordan who owns a local coffee roaster called Three Ridings Coffee. With the shop being closed during Lockdown, we used our store as a point for people to pick up coffee locally. Luckily after the pandemic and the coffee shops popping back open, the coffee side of the business progressed and the guys opened their own roastery just down the road. Leaving me extra room to fill the store with more beautiful creative pieces.

We still sell the coffee, alongside a collection of homeware, gifts, stationery and more. I still sell my own work with some of my original designs from studying at The Northern School of Art. We also run creative workshops. Our Mlkwood Store celebrated its fifth birthday in October 2023.

Do you have any plans/dreams for the future you can share?

At Mlkwood Store we currently run some workshops and I am hoping to do some more print-led workshops in the near future.

I am also planning Bridlington Open Studios in August which is also a fab event and is now in its second year. Find out more on the event’s Instagram page @bridlington.open.studios

How have your studies helped you to develop in your career to date?

Definitely professional practice, it certainly helped get the ball rolling. Exhibiting at New Designers also gave me confidence and knowledge to look for work placements after graduating.

What was your favourite thing/fondest memories about studying at the School?

I loved being in a creative setting, the late nights in the print rooms with your friends with a takeaway bouncing off ideas.

How can people find out more about your business?

Our website is www.mlkwood.store and we are on Instagram @mlkwood.store and on Facebook @mlkwoodstore

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface degree at its university level campus in Hartlepool is available HERE