Lou-bees in Kent LifeMagazine
Lou-bees was proud to be featured in Kent Magazine in a double-page Q&A spread, sharing our story as a small UK business and our passion for creating handmade, eco-friendly beeswax wraps.
This feature highlighted our journey, values, and commitment to helping families reduce single-use plastic through beautiful, practical alternatives.
The feature
The Kent Magazine feature explored how Lou-bees began, the inspiration behind our reusable beeswax wraps and bags, and why sustainability and thoughtful design sit at the heart of everything we make.
Through a relaxed Q&A format, we spoke about:
• starting a small handmade business in the UK
• creating eco-friendly alternatives to cling film
• balancing practicality with timeless design
• encouraging simple, sustainable swaps in everyday life
⸻
Read the Article
Interview question & answers for Kent Life Magazine
What’s the story behind the inspiration for Lou-bees? How did it get started?
Lou-bees began at my kitchen table, inspired by a mix of motherhood, creativity, and a love for eco-friendly living. It actually started when I bought my first beeswax wrap and thought, I could do that better than that! I was looking for a hobby that connected with sustainable living, so I began experimenting with my own versions. What started as a simple swap to reduce waste soon turned into a real passion — and the very first spark of Lou-bees.
What was the very first product you made, and how has your collection evolved over the years?
The first product was a simple beeswax wrap — made with a very messy iron, a lot of trial and error, and plenty of wax! My very first collection was a kids’ line made with fun superhero fabrics, followed by a William Morris design, which is still my top seller today. Since then, Lou-bees has grown into a full range of handmade, sustainable goods, including reusable bags, wax kits, and eco-friendly beautifulness. It’s all about creating small, thoughtful swaps that make everyday living a little more naturally beautiful.
What was the moment you realised Lou-bees could be more than a hobby?
It was when my first Etsy orders came in from people I didn’t know — that was the moment it clicked! Until then, I’d been making wraps for friends and family, but seeing strangers buy and love something I’d made with my own hands made it feel real. Within just four weeks on Etsy, my William Morris wraps became a best seller, and that’s when I realised Lou-bees could be more than just a hobby — it could actually become something special. Some people thought it was a bit of a silly idea at first, and even now I don’t really talk about it much — I still feel a little reserved, as if people might think I’m showing off.
You’ve grown from kitchen table to garden studio – what’s been the biggest challenge in that journey?
The biggest challenge has been managing the growth while keeping everything feeling handmade and personal. I started at the kitchen table, then moved into a little studio in the garden — which felt like such a big step at the time. But even with the studio, my lounge soon became overcrowded with sewing fabric and supplies, so something had to change! I’ve since expanded into a unit on a business park, which has been a huge leap for me. Balancing that growth with family life and keeping the creative spark alive has definitely been the biggest challenge, but it’s been so worth it.
How do you juggle creativity, production, marketing, and admin? Do you have a secret system?
I wish I could say I have a perfect system, but honestly, I just see what needs to be done and do it — whether it works or not! The best ideas always seem to come to me when I’m drifting off to sleep, so I quickly jot them down in the notes on my phone before I forget. I try to balance creative days with more practical ones, but like most small business owners, it’s a bit of a juggle — and I’ve learned to just go with the flow.
What’s your favourite part of running Lou-bees, and what’s the bit you’d happily outsource?
I absolutely love the product design side of things— bringing everything together from the initial idea to the labels and packaging, then seeing the finished result. That’s where my heart and love truly are. If I could outsource anything, it would be the sewing! There’s a lot of it now, especially as the textile side of Lou-bees has really skyrocketed, so an extra pair of hands would definitely be a dream.
Why beeswax wraps? What made them the perfect starting point for your eco-friendly mission?
I loved the idea of beeswax wraps, but I kept thinking that something so simple could also be beautiful — more of an aesthetic addition to our daily lives. That’s when I realised that eco-friendly doesn’t have to be boring; it can be stylish, practical, and a joy to use. Beeswax wraps felt like the perfect place to start — a small, sustainable swap that makes a real difference while adding a little beauty to everyday living.
What’s your take on the balance between sustainability and convenience – can we really have both?
I think we can, but it’s about rethinking what convenience really means. For so long, convenience has meant quick, ready-made, cheap, and throwaway — but it doesn’t have to be that way. True convenience is finding reusable items that are always there when you need them, save you money in the long run, and help the planet at the same time. Sustainability and convenience can absolutely work hand in hand; it just takes a small shift in mindset.
What advice would you give to someone trying to turn a passion project into a sustainable business?
Never think you can’t — nothing is impossible. Learn your field, educate yourself, and ignore the little comments that try to knock your confidence. Absolutely love what you’re doing, pour your heart into it, and never give up. There will be challenges along the way, but believing in yourself and your vision makes all the difference.
Fire questions:
What’s your proudest business moment so far?
Seeing Lou-bees grow from my kitchen table to a real business — and being chosen by Jodie Kidd for her new adventure. It was such a proud moment and felt like real validation that I can do this.
What was your initial business investment worth?
Around £100 — mostly spent on wax, fabric, and an iron that didn’t survive my first few experiments!
What’s one business tool or app you couldn’t live without?
Canva — it’s my go-to for everything from label design to social media posts. I couldn’t imagine running Lou-bees without it.
What two Lou-bees products would you recommend as a special gift?
Definitely the William Morris wraps — they’re timeless and elegant — paired with my handmade hand warmers. Together they make a thoughtful, cosy, and eco-friendly gift that’s both beautiful and practical.
One word that sums up your business philosophy?
Intentional. Every product has a purpose and a touch of care behind it.
What’s one skill you’ve had to learn on the job?
Using a computer and social media — things like setting up a website! I honestly had no clue what I was doing at first, and to be honest, I’m still winging it most days.
What was your very first job, and what was your first pay cheque worth?
I worked at Boots the Chemist for 20 years, and my very first pay cheque was £90. Now I’m a dental nurse — quite a change, but both roles have definitely shaped my attention to detail.
Louise North
www.lou-bees.store
@lou_bees_