27th January 2016
JHPR Wednesday Wonder Woman – Caroline Milns, founder of Zulufish Interiors
Every Wednesday JHPR spotlight a woman doing amazing things within her business field. As champions of startups and small business owners we will be selecting a wonder woman to profile each week.
Caroline Milns, aged 41, launched the Chiswick based Zulufish Interiors in 2013, having spent over 20 years working as a textile and interior designer. Earning her spurs designing fabrics for Monkwell, she rose to the top of the John Lewis Home Design Studio, managing a team of designers and creating innovative product and textile design. Globetrotting to far flung corners of India, Vietnam and China, she sourced textiles, techniques and crafts, while garnering a deep understanding and refinement of colour.
In 2007 Caroline retrained in interior design at Helen Green and moved on to work for high-end residential specialists Mcvitty Interior Consultants. Positions which gave her a firm grounding, invaluable industry knowledge and a clear design style.
What is your business?
At Zulufish Interiors, we create architectural, textured schemes that breathe life into an interior. Reflecting a love of simplicity & a sense of order, the originality and authenticity of our design schemes are always carefully considered yet effortlessly inspirational. Comfort & practicality are key, yet always with an elegance, quality and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on being able to listen to our clients’ needs and translate their vision into beautifully thought-out spaces, unique to them. All of our projects are delivered on time and to a high standard; a level of service that sets us apart from our peers.
How long has your business been trading?
Zulufish Interiors launched 2 years ago, to support its sister company ‘Zulufish Design and Build’. I have been involved in the design industry for 20 years.
What inspired you to start your business?
A love of designing beautiful effortless interiors that stand the test of time. Also having the invaluable industry knowledge and a clear design style to make it happen.
What has been your greatest business achievement?
In my former career as a textile designer, it felt like a great achievement to design everyday products for John Lewis that people wanted to buy. Creating products that bring joy in their homes seems like a minor thing but makes a difference to peoples’ lives.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced along your business journey?
Convincing the construction industry that I’m not just a pretty face!
How is your business contributing to your community or society?
Bringing innovative and sustainable design into peoples’ homes and making peoples dream spaces a reality. Our environment is so important to the way we function. We create amazing spaces for peoples to live and work in.
How has media coverage helped to raise your profile?
Features in design led interior magazines like ‘Living etc.’ have helped raise awareness among our design-savvy clients. This in turn has led to commissions for work.
Best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Never lose your sense of humour or design integrity (in that order!)
Where is your product or service available?
I have a website showcasing my last 15 interor design projects and a services section showing what elements are behind a great interior design scheme.
Business website and social media handles.
https://www.facebook.com/zulufishuk
https://www.instagram.com/zulufishuk/
https://uk.pinterest.com/zulufish/
Thank you for taking part in JHPR’s Wednesday’s Wonder Woman, once you have completed the questions could you please return your answers along with a hi res professional picture to Sarah@jhpr.co.uk
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