30 November 2018
Designer Spotlight: Miller and Blue_The Pantry
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Hi, I’m Zee {Scott} from Miller and Blue _The Pantry. Originally from Kensington, London {UK} I now call Melbourne, VIC home since 2011. I live with my partner Brent and a feisty 2.5-year-old - Hunter. I am a ‘one gal band’ - unless you include a little bit of ‘help’ from my toddler. 
Miller and Blue_The Pantry is my business, it is the online ‘shop’ to Miller & Blue_An online bakery. At M&B, I create minimalist and rustic edible delights. I have recently re-introduced eco-friendly stationery and partyware to my collection. 
I am a Caterer, Celebrant and Crafter. I started life as an actor, going to university to gain my BA hons in performance art. I spent many years auditioning and performing but decided that arts administration was more my style. 
I have previously worked as an actor, an arts administrator and a Human Resources specialist … to name a few! My passion for baking has always been within, I starting my baking business {Cakeday_UK} back in London in 2007. After years of watching my Mum and Grandmother create stunning cakes for weddings, Birthdays and other events, it was almost inevitable that I would follow at some point!
When I came to Melbourne, I had secured annual short contract jobs at some of the major Arts festivals, but the creative in me was dying for an outlet! I worked with my local council to register my home kitchen and the rest, as they say, is history! 
I have been selling on Madeit since 2012 - I learnt about Madeit through another small business owner, and I felt it was my ‘duty’ as a business owner based in Australia to support such a site. Madeit has allowed me to reach Australian customers. It’s easy to use and the community makes you feel like you have colleagues … even though they are virtual!
I have two main creative areas within my home. My registered home kitchen where I bake and create the edible items within my store, and my studio where I create my craft items. As a full-time Mum, it was important to me that I was able to work from home. 
I generally bake very early in the morning - around 2am…most mornings. I craft in the studio during toddler naptime and the first couple of hours after bedtime. Hunter doesn’t go to childcare yet, so I balance my work/life by ensuring we have outdoor activities each morning. This scheduling works extremely well but it does mean I have to be very organised and stick to my ‘to do’ list! 
I am inspired by modern art and the ‘simple’ things in life. I have recently made a pledge to myself to become more eco-friendly, both in business and in my home life. This has forced me to re-think all aspects of my business from the creative process, to production and packaging. 
Where possible, I work with tools, supplies and ingredients sourced in Australia, and I am currently working towards 100% recyclable packaging. With my recipes, I try to include a touch of the Caribbean where possible… however, considering a large amount of Jamaican sweets contain alcohol... I’m still perfecting family friendly recipes!
Looking back now, it is apparent to me that it was actually my Mum who taught me about ‘handmade’. My Mum would make us clothing, bake and cook from scratch, design and create homewares including luxurious detailed Austrian blinds for each room. 
As a child it was difficult at times because I was desperate to ‘fit in’, to own the commercial items like everyone else. I remember my Mum regularly talking to us and trying to teach us about being an individual and how important it was to ‘create’ for yourself. 
As an adult, I am so I awe of my Mum and the skills she had. Becoming a Mum increased my passion for working towards a world where people opt for ethically sourced products, slow fashion and eco-friendly items. 
At times handmade may be more expensive, however, what you get is an item made with you in mind. Something created just for you- not mass produced in a factory. 
