Independent home décor and plant shop Mila Plants will be launching a second store this year - on Park Street.
The first store on Quakers Friars debuted in December 2020 and has since built a strong following both in store and online- notwithstanding the difficult barriers of the Covid pandemic.
Samuel McKay, director/owner of Mila Plants and Mila Coffee, initially got his start during the first wave of coronavirus, and found his passion for plants during lockdown.
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From firstly selling rare plants on St Nicholas Market and the Harbourside weekly, to then eventually leaving the restaurant industry to go full-time, Sam believes it was destined that Mila has found success the way it did.
He said: “We’re just a pop-up in Cabot that was meant to last for just three months. A year and two months later, we’re still here.
“But we wanted a store that we could actually decorate and somewhere we could call ours and we can put our gorgeous stamp on it.
“It’s just been fantastic to the point we’re now opening our second store. We’ve just signed the lease and we should be getting the keys on [February 1].
“We aim to open by mid-February at the latest which is beyond scary when I think of it- I try not to think about it because I’ll lose my brains.”
When deliberating on where to open a second store, Sam ensured the location of Mila 2.0 would reflect the brand’s spirit wholeheartedly and additionally becoming a necessary advantage for the store.
“The reason we chose Park Street was for personal reasons as I moved to Bristol 14 years ago starting out working at Park Street. My husband worked on Park Street. My best friend still runs a restaurant on Park Street.
“It’s such a special street to us and it’s also such a great hub for independent businesses in Bristol.”
For Sam, to begin developments on a second store as an independent locally-owned business is a dream come true, but also a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
Sam understands that as growing concerns regarding the decline of the high street market continue, he strongly feels that his role as an entrepreneur can also be a chance to make a positive impact.
He said: “My passion lies in independent businesses and I will always put my absolute everything to making sure Bristol is a vibrant place for independent businesses.
“That’s why so much in the store is stocked by Bristol makers and it's the same with Mila Coffee, where our coffee is locally roasted in Bristol.
“Our gin is even made in Bristol. There is so much of our business that when you buy something, it goes into the local economy. It benefits everybody, not just us.”
As part of the aim upon setting up the upcoming store, Sam has shared how he and the Mila team focussed on unlocking further opportunities for other local LGBTQIA+ makers and creatives to have their products stocked in the shop.
He said, "As an out and proud gay man myself, I understand the aspect of identity and the need to be seen.
“We have huge Pride flags flying in the store and we want to show that we are a proud LGBTQIA+ business.
“We think that’s important when people come into our business, they can see that and they can feel comfortable on what represents them in high streets.”
Sam credits the passion and dedication of his team, who have helped propel the business forward.
As plans seem to go swimmingly, Sam is ultimately looking forward to what’s yet to come and making those advancements with his colleagues by his very side.
He said, “A staff member, Gemini, who’s worked with me since day 1 when we first opened in Bristol, was crucial to our success.
“Customers know and love Gemini who will be the manager of shop 2.0 and it’s going to now be their store to run, where they will be able to put their own personal spin on it.
“I’m happy that I get to progress and a team to progress with, instead of hiring new managers.
“Because of this, we’re also going to open a coffee business as we opened Mila Coffee last December which we can progress into an actual coffee space in the next few months.
“Next year we’re looking for our first store outside Bristol, potentially Cardiff. Where we’ll be looking to open a café, which I hope. A second café? Could we be looking to do a whole new business altogether?
“So there’s always room for new talent in the business and we’re always on the lookout for really great people.
“Because a year from now? Who knows where we’re going to be.”
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