Birthday Celebrations!

The excitement is building at Ochre And Ocre HQ, as we approach our 2nd Birthday next week! We launched the website two years ago in pessimistic times, the recession was looming, the press were critical, but we were optimistic, wet behind the ears, and ready for a new challenge. Fortunately we survived - and having learnt a huge amount in two years we are looking forward to our third year of trading.

In the past year we have added over 32 new lines, with our lovely new British Collection, exclusively designed for Ochre And Ocre by Lindsey Joyce. Our new brochure is printed and awaiting despatch in September, a huge thank you to Rachel Spivey for some beautiful photography. We have also added some more gifts and hampers, all with that chic Ochre and Ocre twist - making it easy to find a Gift solution.

Not content to rest on our laurels work is already underway for new additions to our range next Spring. Samples are being finalised and photoshoots planned.

We have over 20 shows this Autumn, including attending the huge Spirit of Christmas in London for the first time. We will post the dates and locations nearer the time for our Autumn shows.

You can now also buy Ochre And Ocre at a select range of lovely independents, including the gorgeous homewares shop Tinsmiths in Ledbury, the green Herb Farmacy in Hay, Kettles in Dunkeld, and GreenDays in Crieff.

So if you would like to join us in a toast, please raise your glass to

" Ochre And Ocre, Year Three...the adventure continues!"

Trip to Town

I went to the Natural & Organic show today at Olympia. I had been hoping to find some new companies to work with, on joint products for Ochre & Ocre. Unfortunately the show was mainly food or cosmetic based. I came across one company who were doing skincare from herbs they were growing themselves in Eardisley - only 5 miles from where I used to live.(Herbfarmacy) I always find it really interesting when you come across these little businesses that have started up in really rural locations. It kind of gives me hope that I can make Ochres work.
I went for a wander down Kensington High Street after - as I have been to The Wholefood Market in New York, but had not seen the one in the old Barkers store. It was really impressive, a shrine to all things organic and natural - but unfortunately it was also what is so wrong with some organic companies - it was really pricey, helping reaffirm peoples suspicions that organic costs more. When I did the costing on Ochres I deliberately pitched our range against non organic lines, but of a similar quality, as I don't feel you should pay more just because of a label.
I came away from my day in town, not feeling that inspired but resolving to relook at the business and marketing plan, and to refocus on our direction, as the lack of competition is something we need to shout about.