What inspired you to start your business/brand?

We were inspired by a simple but powerful idea: representation matters. As mothers, we wanted our children to see themselves reflected in the Christmas decorations around them. We couldn’t find ornaments that looked like us or our families, so we decided to create them ourselves. March Muses began as a way to fill this gap, and it has grown into a movement for inclusion and celebration of diversity during the festive season and beyond.

 

What are your brand’s values?

Our core values are inclusivity, representation, and inspiration—hence the “Muse” in our name. We are dedicated to creating products that celebrate the beauty of diversity while encouraging everyone to embrace the muse within themselves. We believe that each of us has the power to inspire others, and our products allow consumers to be part of a meaningful movement—a small ripple in the big wave of change toward a more inclusive world.

 

What is your biggest motivation?

Our biggest motivation is rooted in our purpose. It all began when Natalie’s daughter asked a simple yet profound question: “Can angels have brown skin?” That question became the catalyst for our business, and we are determined to ensure no child—or adult—ever has to ask it again. Hearing heartfelt stories from our customers about how our decorations make their Christmas celebrations feel more inclusive and meaningful inspires us to keep innovating and expanding our vision.

Where did the inspiration for your product(s) come from?

Our products are deeply inspired by our own lived experiences. We wanted our homes and traditions to reflect our heritage, so we chose to start with Christmas—a season of love, family, and togetherness. Each of our angels carries a special meaning, as they are named after March-born Black icons who inspire us. Every angel has a unique name, personality, and purpose. For example, our tree topper is named Mariah, a nod to the ultimate Christmas diva herself, Mariah Carey. We also have an angel named Candice, inspired by the incredible Candice Brathwaite, who exemplifies strength and brilliance. These stories add a personal and meaningful touch to every piece we create.

 

What has been a highlight whilst creating and building your brand?

One of our proudest moments was being recognized as one of the top 25 entrepreneurs to watch at the HSBC Black Business Show. It was a true honour to see how far March Muses has come and to stand alongside other trailblazers in the industry. Another major milestone was our partnership with Tesco, which began as a five-year Christmas licensing deal and has now grown to include products throughout the year. At Christmas, Tesco stocks their own range, the Disney Christmas range, and little old us—and that’s still a “wow” moment for us. Knowing our products share shelf space with such iconic brands is a testament to how far we’ve come.

What advice would you give to business owners, creators, designers, and brand owners just starting out?

Start with purpose and passion—your "why" will sustain you through challenges. Build a community around your brand and listen to your customers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with others who share your vision. Most importantly, focus on storytelling; it’s the heart of building a brand that resonates.

At the Spring/Summer edition of Top Drawer, will you be launching any new collections and if so, can you give us a sneak peek?

Yes, we’re thrilled to share that we’ll be launching some exciting new products, including our 60cm Santa and our stunning new nativity set. These additions are all about elevating representation in classic Christmas icons.

 

What is your personal favourite from your new collection?

Our nativity set is a personal favorite. It’s been a long-time dream to create a nativity scene that reflects diversity in a beautiful, meaningful way. It’s not just a product; it’s a symbol of inclusion and storytelling.

 

If applicable, how do you operate your brand sustainably?

Sustainability is an important part of our ethos. We focus on creating timeless, high-quality products that last for years, reducing waste and promoting a more thoughtful approach to consumerism. We also prioritise local partnerships for collaborations and aim to reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible.