Moving In Day

It’s 2pm on October 1 and Mae Studio has officially moved into its new home. From founder Hannah’s bedroom, Mae Studio now has its own space to operate and thrive in Beeston, in the suburbs of Leeds. Like anyone who has ever moved, the day was not without its trepidations and stresses.

How the new studio looked on arrival

A lot of possessions were moved, to the extent that three cars were involved. An entire sofa took up the boot of one; having space to relax is going to prove vital as Mae Studio takes off. Nerves were apparent too, there’s something very real about the fact that the business now has its own dedicated home. What if the investment is all for nothing? Deep down Hannah knows that the investment into her new space is obviously not going to be for nothing, but the nagging "What ifs" continue to dog anyone who is potentially uncertain that the major move they’ve just made is the right one.

Moving in day was a family affair

Yet anyone who has ever moved house or their business to new premises will also know that the minor negative emotions are also always superseded by sheer, relentless optimism and excitement. Finally, the business can operate in a space suitable for the scale of Hannah’s aims. And of course, there’s a certain thrill and therapeutic quality to taking an empty room and moulding it to your exact preferred layout – despite Hannah’s own admissions that her definition of a “preferred layout” is somewhat vague at the minute. There’s now plenty of time and plenty of space to rearrange the entire place if a particular layout doesn’t suit.

Hannah's dog Angus also came along to assist with the move

Mae Studio now has a proper home and a proper space where it can fulfil its intended potential. There’s a tangible, almost genuinely physical excitement buzzing around as Hannah and her parents unpack and set up. Shelving units, cutting tables, desks and clothing racks have all been assembled and the sense that this space has gone from an empty office to a space ready to produce the finest fashion pieces is very real.

How the studio looks at the end of day one

Although the fact that much of what Hannah and her family have moved here is yet to be properly organised, it’s clear how happy Hannah will be here. And a happy Hannah means a productive, first-class service from Mae Studio.

Mae Studio might have moved, but business goes on. A new home is a time for celebration and excitement, but now the hard work begins – all that’s needed now is orders to fill.

Hannah and her new studio are ready and waiting.