Clare.
"My passion from a very early age has been interiors, from dressing friends' bedrooms to redesigning an old shack I found in the woods as a child whilst out riding my pony called Glenn (don't ask!).
I waitressed, worked on a farm and worked at riding stables until I got the break into a graphics studio (quite extreme differences). A couple of years later, I managed to help in the photographic department and became a trainee stylist. Finally, I got thrown in at the deep end designing room sets and styling shoots.
I bought my first house at 19, working weekends and evenings to pay the mortgage. My holidays consisted of strawberry picking on the farm for extra cash - I've never been frightened of hard work. I briefly trained in interior design before my son was born. I have two beautiful children (young adults), Jake and Molly who are my world!
I worked my way up the ranks to become head of styling, working with a wonderful team. We travelled abroad on shoots and worked in the most beautiful homes around the country whilst creating beautiful shots for photography! I learnt so much in those years; hard work, very long days, stressful experiences but I loved it.
After 31 years I decided to make a break for it, have some time out and pursue the dream of having my own Interior shop. I'd loved the sourcing of props so much during my styling career that I realised this is what I wanted to do. To create my own 'happy place' and creatively styled environment to show others what can be achieved by simply dressing things beautifully.
The rest is history. Two years later and No64 Biscuit House is growing stronger and I'm still learning, creating but loving every minute of it!"
Glenn.
Clare is obviously, the beautiful and creative one, I'm behind the scenes at No64 Biscuit House!
I keep the online shop together, looking after our marketing & social media, managing our supplier relationships (except for ordering our amazing products, which obviously Clare does), and most excitingly of all, I keep the wolves from the door by maintaining our relationship with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs!
Sales and marketing has been my career. I started my working life as an estate agent (oh dear I hear you say!). I then did 5 years in the rat catching industry working for Rentokil Pest Control which, believe it or not, I absolutely loved!
When I got back from a year travelling Australia & Asia in 1997, yes I travelled late, I was 27 when I left my career, I went into the contact centre industry (not telesales I hasten to add!).
Over a 14 year period I moved from Hampshire to Nottingham, Nottingham to Leeds, and then back to Nottingham, where I lived for 10 years.
When I sold my share in the business, 3 partners & I started in 2004, we were employing 125 people and turning over £3 million. I guess one of my proudest moments was attending the awards ceremony where I'd been nominated in the midlands region '42under42' award for entrepreneurial/business achievement. I didn't win though!
In 2014 I finally got my chance to return to my beloved Shire and I grabbed it with both hands. I loved Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire but there really is nothing quite like the New Forest and living by the sea! Clare & I started The Biscuit House that year and, in 2016 as you know, we opened our first shop here in Milford on Sea. The rest, as they say, is history!
The Residents.
Our amazing pets: Bailey, Ralph, Ester & Erik
Bailey
Bailey is as well known in the village as No64 Biscuit House!
He's been with us since he was born on New Year's Eve 2008 and came from a litter of 13 - Meg's litter, who sadly we lost to old age in May 2018.
Bailey's known and loved by pretty much everyone in Milford - we actually have kids come into the shop asking to see him! So cute.
Ralph
Born June 14th, Ralph joined the No64 family in August 2019, at just 8 weeks old, and he's certainly given his Uncle Bailey a new lease of life!
He has also best-friended both Ester & Erik, No64's cats who, as you'll read below, were named after one of our favourite candle brands.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, which thankfully No64 Biscuit House survived through your support and our online sales business, villagers would often see Ralph sat at the front door of the shop, day-dreaming and wondering why no-one was coming in to see him. He's a very social boy and so do ask to meet him next time you visit us.
Ester & Erik
Ester & Erik joined the No64 Biscuit House family in 2018.
As cute little kittens, they were named after our favourite Danish candle brand, Ester & Erik and so they really are part of the No64 brand!
Just like Bailey, they have their own set of fans in the village who like to come and visit them. They love a bit of fuss so don't hesitate to ask to meet them when you're in the shop. Bailey in particular loves to come and greet people and he's amazing with kids!
Bailey, Ralph, Ester & Erik - part of the No64 Biscuit House family.