Recognising a gap in the sustainable fashion market in Hong Kong, Linda Morrison took matters into her own hands by setting up MiliMilu, a sustainable and ethically conscious brand for the whole family.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Linda Morrison, Founder of MiliMilu, gets it done!
How I get it done: Linda Morrison
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
MiliMilu is my passion project! A few reasons impacted my decision to start this business. Firstly, I’ve always spent lots of time in nature and I feel a deep connection with the environment. Therefore, I seek a more sustainable lifestyle for myself and my family – even more so when it comes to clothes, because my children and I have sensitive skin that can only tolerate organic, natural fibres. However, sustainable clothing for women and children was limited in Hong Kong, showing a niche that needed to be filled.
The final turning point in starting MiliMilu was a talk with my son, who was three years old at the time. He asked whether the person who made his pyjamas was happy – a question that I wanted to be able to answer “yes” confidently. Said and done, MiliMilu now offers sustainable and ethical clothes and accessories for the whole family. Our pieces are made from organic, natural, or recycled fibres; the people making them are paid fair wages and are treated with dignity and respect.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part of my entrepreneurial journey has been making the idea I had in mind for a long time a reality. Actually starting a business and making growth happen are big challenges, too. One will make mistakes, and we have to be able to learn from them. Every setback offers a lesson to be learnt and that helps us move forward.
Add a major COVID-19 outbreak into your first year in and you’ve got yourself the biggest challenge out there. We had a few very slow months, but we were eventually able to push through with determination, concentrating on our community and just powering through. We are out of the tunnel now and cannot be happier looking at the brighter times ahead!
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I’m one of the lucky ones who get to do what they love! We pride ourselves on being able to bring sustainable, comfortable, and equally stylish clothes to our clients and have them ready for every occasion. Seeing happy customers at the end of the day and focusing on what MiliMilu means to me and our customers keep me motived. Also, spending time in nature, being adventurous, and spending time with my children always give me an extra push.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I’m actually quite easily stressed. So for me, it’s important to keep a routine and work out on a daily basis. I go on runs to help me focus, but also try to get down time, connect with nature, and go for hikes, often by myself.
How I get it done with Linda Morrison: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? I actually love working from home, as I’m able to be in my own little corner and focus on the tasks at hand. But sometimes, with kids running wild, I need to escape. In that case, you’ll find me in a coffee shop.
Share a work “mantra” that you use? “Do what you love and love what you do!”
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? Sustainable fashion and what it means, and going into all the details. You could say that I’m really passionate about this topic – I just love bringing the concept of sustainability, especially sustainable fashion, closer to others.
One piece of advice to your younger self? Dare to try! And find your tribe that will support you and lift you up no matter what – which equally applies to business and private life.
Find out more about MiliMilu and get in touch with Linda Morrison on LinkedIn.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
